Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri var. “Brilliant”)

The Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra is a stunning freshwater schooling fish admired for its vibrant red-orange face, shimmering silver scales, and distinctive black-and-white striped tail. Also known as the Firehead Tetra, this beautiful variety stands out from other Rummy Nose Tetras due to its intense metallic sheen and striking coloration. Active, peaceful, and highly social, it is an excellent choice for planted aquariums and community fish tanks.

What We Like About This Fish

• Bright red-orange facial coloration
• Stunning shimmering silver body scales
• Distinctive black-and-white striped tail
• Peaceful and community-friendly
• Active schooling behavior
• Ideal for planted aquariums

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
• Temperature: 20–27°C (69.8–80.6°F)
• pH Level: 5.5–7.0
• KH: 4–8 dKH
• Water Type: Soft, clean, and stable water conditions

A planted aquarium with driftwood, leaf litter, and subdued lighting will help replicate the natural habitat of the Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra and encourage vibrant coloration.

Care Guidelines

• Diet: Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and freeze-dried foods
• Social Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish; best kept in groups of 6 or more
• Origin: Tank-bred; indigenous to South America
• Average Adult Size: 2.5–3.8 cm (1–1.5 inches)
• Average Purchase Size: 1.3–2.5 cm (0.5–1 inch)
• Shrimp Safe: Generally safe with adult shrimp, although small shrimp and shrimplets may be preyed upon

Natural Habitat and Aquarium Setup

In the wild, Rummy Nose Tetras inhabit slow-moving blackwater streams rich in tannins, leaf litter, and submerged roots. Although tank-bred specimens are adaptable, they thrive in aquariums that provide stable water parameters, dense planting, and plenty of open swimming space. Their bright facial coloration often serves as an indicator of overall health and water quality.

Plants such as Amazon Sword, Cryptocoryne, Java Fern, and floating plants work particularly well in aquariums housing this species.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

The Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra is an excellent community fish and pairs well with:

• Ember Tetras
• Cardinal Tetras
• Green Neon Tetras
• Corydoras Catfish
• Otocinclus Catfish
• Dwarf Cichlids
• Peaceful Rasboras

Avoid housing them with large, aggressive fish that may stress or prey upon them.

Why Keep Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetras?

The Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra is one of the most attractive schooling fish available to freshwater hobbyists. Its combination of vivid red facial coloration, sparkling silver scales, and synchronized schooling behavior creates an eye-catching display in any aquarium. When maintained in groups and provided with clean water and a varied diet, these fish reward aquarists with exceptional color, activity, and beauty.