Rummynose Tetra
A silver torpedo with a blood-red face and a bold black-and-white banded tail. The tightest-shoaling tetra in the hobby, and the closest thing to a living water-quality gauge.
Feeding
Flake, micro-pellets and frozen daphnia, cyclops and bloodworm.
Compatibility
Peaceful and best in groups of ten or more, where the shoaling instinct is strongest. Suits calm planted communities.
Behaviour and personality
Shoals more tightly than almost any other aquarium fish, the whole group turning as one.
Before you buy
The red face fades quickly when water quality slips or the fish are stressed, and returns when conditions improve. It is genuinely useful as an early warning, but it also means this species needs a mature, well-maintained tank to look its best.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Rummynose Tetra |
| Brand | Real Aquatics |
| Group Size | 10 or more |
| Water Quality Sensitivity | High |
FAQ
What does the red face indicate?
The red face fades when water quality deteriorates or the fish are stressed, and returns when conditions improve. It acts as a natural indicator of tank health.
How many fish should I keep?
Best kept in groups of ten or more to fully exhibit their shoaling behavior and maintain natural group dynamics.
What do they eat?
They accept flake, micro-pellets, and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, and bloodworm.
Samantha Oliver –
I’ve had a group of Rummynose Tetras for six months now. Their synchronized movement is mesmerizing. The red face faded once during a water change, which made me check my filter and water parameters. After adjusting, it returned to full color. A great visual indicator for tank health.
Elizabeth Mills –
They’re peaceful and fit well in a planted tank. I kept them in a 20-gallon with ten fish. They stay close together and move as one. I noticed the red face dimmed after a week of poor water flow, which helped me catch the issue early.
Victoria Manning –
This species is a true eye-opener for aquarium maintenance. The way they react to water changes is subtle but clear. I now monitor pH and ammonia levels more closely because of them.