Why has my Rummy-Nose Tetra lost its red colour?

A loss of red colouration in the face is the primary indicator of stress. This can be caused by poor water quality (especially high ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate), sudden temperature shifts, aggressive tankmates, or being kept in too small a group. If their noses go pale, you should test your water parameters immediately.

How many Rummy-Nose Tetras should I keep together?

You should keep an absolute minimum of 8 Rummy-Nose Tetras together, though a group of 12 to 20 or more is highly recommended. Larger schools dramatically reduce stress, improve their colours, and display their fascinating natural schooling behaviour.

Are Rummy-Nose Tetras hard to keep?

They are considered an intermediate species because they are highly sensitive to unstable water conditions and elevated nitrates. They should never be added to a new, uncycled aquarium. Provided they are placed in a mature, well-maintained tank with soft water, they are relatively hardy.

Can Rummy-Nose Tetras live with Angelfish?

It is a risk. While they share similar water requirements, large adult Angelfish are opportunistic predators. A fully grown Angelfish may view a small or juvenile Rummy-Nose Tetra as food, particularly at night. If you attempt this combination, ensure the tetras are fully grown before introducing them.

What is the difference between Petitella bleheri and Petitella rhodostoma?

Petitella bleheri (the Brilliant Rummy-Nose) is the most common in the trade; its red facial colour extends past the gills. In Petitella rhodostoma (the True Rummy-Nose), the red is typically confined to the snout and does not extend past the eyes.

AI-generated illustration for OneShoal

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Rummy-Nose Tetra

Petitella bleheri

A vibrant, tight-schooling tetra famous for its brilliant red face and striking zebra-striped tail.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7
Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH
Adult size: 4 – 5 cm
90 Litres (Long): 90 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Planted with open swimming space or blackwater biotope

About the Rummy-Nose Tetra

The Rummy-Nose Tetra is arguably one of the most effective schooling fish available in the aquarium hobby. Unlike many other species that only group together when frightened, Petitella bleheri maintains a cohesive shoal as they actively patrol the middle levels of the tank. Their striking appearance—characterised by a vivid red snout and a sharply contrasting black-and-white striped tail—makes them a captivating focal point in planted or blackwater setups.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Rummy-Nose Tetra against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Rummy-Nose Tetra comes from

Native range

Amazon Basin, Rio Negro, Rio Meta

Countries / regions

Brazil, Colombia

Habitat

Slow-moving blackwater streams and tributaries, typically heavily shaded by forest canopy with leaf-litter substrates.

Primarily found in distinct populations in the middle Amazon (Rio Negro) and the upper Orinoco (Rio Meta).

Similar species

True Rummy-Nose Tetra
Petitella rhodostoma
False Rummy-Nose Tetra
Petitella georgiae
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Shares similar blackwater origins and provides a stunning colour contrast without competing for space or resources.
Great
Sterbai Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
Peaceful bottom-dwellers that tolerate the warmer temperatures Rummy-Nose Tetras prefer.
Great
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
A peaceful dwarf cichlid that occupies the lower levels of the tank and thrives in identical soft-water conditions.
Great
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
While often kept together, adult Angelfish are opportunistic predators and may consume small or juvenile Rummy-Nose Tetras.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Too boisterous and prone to fin-nipping, which will cause the sensitive Rummy-Nose Tetras constant stress.
Not recommended
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large predatory cichlids will easily swallow Rummy-Nose Tetras whole.
Not recommended

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