The Rummynose Tetra originates from South America. It is also known by the common name of the Firehead Tetra. The Rummynose has a distinctive bright red area around its “nose” and over its eyes. The rest of the body is a silver/gold color. The caudal fin has horizontal black and white stripes. The red nose will disappear when the fish is stressed.

The name Rummynose is applied to three species, but for all intents and purposes, they are indistinguishable. According to an excellent article by Randy Carey at  Randy's Aquaria the distinctions are:

• Petitella georgiae lacks a black spot at the top of the caudal penduncle, but has a heavy black line running into the body from the caudal fin.

• Hemigrammus Rhodostomus has a lighter black line running into the body from the caudal fin.

• Hemigrammus bleheri has no black running from the tail into the body.

Petitella georgiae is also referred to as the False Rummynose. Hemigrammus bleheri and Hemigrammus Rhodostomus are both black water fish that prefer soft water.

Rummynose are not a good beginners fish. They are susceptible to disease and suffer from poor water quality. Rummynose are very active and enjoy schooling in the mid levels of a tank. They should be kept in groups of at least 6. A well planted tank with low light levels is recommended. Rummynose eat quality flake foods, spirulina flakes, freeze dried bloodworms and live foods, such as brine shrimp.

Males will tend to be slimmer and smaller than females, but they are difficult to distinguish. Rummynose are extremely difficult to breed. Soft water should be used. A pair should be separated and fed live foods prior to spawning. They will scatter hundreds of eggs among plants. The parents should be removed after spawning. The fry hatch after about one day. The fry are very small and will require live artemia brine shrimp.

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