How big does Rummy-nose Tetra get?

Rummy-nose Tetra reaches an adult standard length of 4–5.5 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Rummy-nose Tetra need?

23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7, 1–8 dGH. At 5 °C wide it is one of the more forgiving ranges.

What is the smallest tank for Rummy-nose Tetra?

At least 60 L, and no shorter than 60 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 8 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.

What is Rummy-nose Tetra like to keep?

Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: moderate. It occupies the middle and is carnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".

Can Rummy-nose Tetra be kept with its most common tank mate?

The checker returns "Can be kept together". Rummy-nose Tetra and Cardinal Tetra is a well-established pairing. Individual fish still differ; the record says "usually fine", not "guaranteed".

G-01 / 08Freshwater

Rummy-nose Tetra红鼻剪刀

Petitella bleheri · Characidae

The tightest schooling tetra, whose red nose doubles as a water-quality indicator.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 08 · Rummy-nose Tetra Petitella bleheri

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 红鼻剪刀
Scientific name: Petitella bleheri
Family: Characidae
Origin: Upper Negro and Orinoco river basins, South America
Adult size: 4–5.5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Water level: Middle
Level: Moderate
School size: ≥ 8
Min. tank: 60 L
Min. length: 60 cm
Plant safe: Leaves plants alone

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.23–28 °C

pH5.5–7

Hardness1–8 dGH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1The red nose is a water-quality gauge: fading usually means an ammonia or pH swing.
2Eight or more gives tight schooling, so use a tank at least 60 cm long.
3Wants soft, acidic water near 26 °C and dislikes large, frequent water changes.

Check a tank mate

Jump straight to the verdict for Rummy-nose Tetra against this one — no need to pick it again.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Rummy-nose Tetra get?: Rummy-nose Tetra reaches an adult standard length of 4–5.5 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Rummy-nose Tetra need?: 23–28 °C, pH 5.5–7, 1–8 dGH. At 5 °C wide it is one of the more forgiving ranges.
What is the smallest tank for Rummy-nose Tetra?: At least 60 L, and no shorter than 60 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 8 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.
What is Rummy-nose Tetra like to keep?: Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: moderate. It occupies the middle and is carnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".
Can Rummy-nose Tetra be kept with its most common tank mate?: The checker returns "Can be kept together". Rummy-nose Tetra and Cardinal Tetra is a well-established pairing. Individual fish still differ; the record says "usually fine", not "guaranteed".