Species profile
Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra
Petitella bleheri
Peaceful
Moderate care
80 L minimum aquarium
3–4 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Tight-shoaling Amazonian tetra that shows its best behaviour in a larger group and is less forgiving of deteriorating water quality than many common community tetras.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
1–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
0.5
Peaceful, active shoaler. Keep with calm tankmates and provide open midwater swimming space; the red head often fades rapidly when fish are stressed.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
80 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Petitella bleheri
Alternative names
Rummynose Tetra, Rummy Nose Tetra, Hemigrammus bleheri
Native range
Rio Negro and adjacent Amazonian drainage systems in Brazil and Colombia.
Natural habitat
Soft acidic forest waters with organic debris and submerged structure. A mature planted/wooded aquarium with open swimming space works well.
Diet & feeding
Feed fine flakes/micro-pellets with varied small frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females become fuller-bodied when mature; males are slimmer. Colour is not a dependable sex marker.
Breeding
Egg scatterer and relatively demanding to breed; very soft acidic water and careful egg protection are normally required.