Rummy nose tetras are the connoisseur’s shoaling fish — they swim in the tightest, most coordinated schools in the hobby, a shimmering group moving as one with bright red noses and striped tails. They have a hidden bonus too: that red nose is a living water-quality gauge. This UK guide covers rummy nose tetra care.

Here’s how to keep them.

Quick facts

• Adult size: 4–5 cm
• Tank size: 75 litres for a shoal of 8+
• Water: pH 6.0–7.0, soft, 24–27 °C
• Lifespan: 5–6 years
• Temperament: peaceful, tight-shoaling

The red nose is a water-quality gauge

A rummy nose tetra’s nose glows bright red when it is happy and the water is clean — and fades to pale pink or grey when stressed by poor water quality. It’s an early-warning system: if the noses dull, test your water. This makes them a rewarding but slightly demanding fish that needs a mature, stable tank — see new tank syndrome.

Tank setup and shoaling

Keep a shoal of at least eight — the more, the tighter and more spectacular the schooling. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water in a well-planted, mature tank with a stable heater. In hard-water areas, see how to lower pH. Feed small micro foods and frozen treats.

Tank mates

Ideal with other peaceful community fish: cardinal tetras, rasboras, corydoras, pearl gouramis and cherry shrimp. Avoid large or aggressive fish.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my rummy nose tetra's nose pale?

A faded nose signals stress, usually from poor water quality or an immature tank. Test your water and do a change — the red colour returns as conditions improve, which is why they're prized as a living water-quality gauge.

How many rummy nose tetras should I keep?

At least eight. They are one of the tightest-shoaling tetras, and larger groups produce a more spectacular, coordinated display.

What water do rummy nose tetras need?

Soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–7.0) at 24–27 °C in a mature, stable, well-planted tank. They are a little more demanding of water quality than hardier tetras.

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— Jaqline Smalling, FishForever