Fauna
Fish

Rummy-nose Tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

Also known as Rednose Tetra, Banded Rummy-nose Tetra

Rummy-nose tetras are tightly schooling freshwater fish celebrated for their vivid ruby-red faces and contrasting black-and-white horizontally striped caudal fins. They inhabit acidic, tannin-stained blackwater creeks and flooded forests, using synchronized shoaling movements to confuse predators in murky waters. The intensity of their facial redness acts as an acute biological indicator, quickly fading to pale pink when water quality drops or when the fish experience physiological stress.

FreshwaterSchoolingAmazon Native
Rummy-nose Tetra reference
Gavinevans / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDaphnia, Bloodworms, Rotifers
Predators
  • Pike cichlid
  • Tucunaré peacock bass
  • Green kingfisher
ThreatsHabitat loss from deforestation, water pollution, and localized overcollection for the pet trade
HabitatsTannin-stained blackwater rivers, slow-moving tributaries, and flooded forest floors
Life span5–8 years
Classification
  1. OrderCharaciformes
  2. FamilyCharacidae
  3. GenusHemigrammus
  4. SpeciesHemigrammus rhodostomus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Aquarium Care: House in groups of at least six to eight individuals to encourage natural schooling behavior.
  • Water Monitoring: Observe snout coloration as an early warning for poor water quality or elevated nitrates.
Related species
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