Origins and Classification
- Scientific Name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus / Petitella georgiae (common trade name covers 3 closely related species)
- Family: Characidae
- Origin: Native to South America, especially the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, where they live in soft, warm, acidic blackwater streams.
- Popularity: Famous for their bright red nose, striped tail, and tight schooling behavior, making them one of the most eye-catching and peaceful community fish.
🎨 Appearance
- Color:
- Bright red face/nose (most intense in healthy water).
- Silver, slightly translucent body.
- Distinctive black-and-white horizontal striped tail (3 bold stripes).
- Structure:
- Slender, streamlined body.
- Tail stripes act as “schooling signals” for communication.
- Size:
- Typically 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm).
- Lifespan: 5–6 years in well-maintained tanks.
🏡 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a school of 10–12.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 78–84°F (25–29°C)
- pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
- Hardness: Soft water; 1–8 dGH
- Lighting: Soft to moderate — enhances their red face.
- Habitat Setup:
- Ideal tank includes driftwood, leaf litter, and live plants.
- Slight tannins from almond leaves make them thrive.
- Open mid-water space for schooling.
🍽️ Diet
- Type: Omnivorous.
- Foods:
- High-quality flake or micro pellets.
- Frozen/live foods: daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms (tiny pieces).
- Feeding Tips:
- Feed 2 small meals per day, focusing on fine foods.
🤝 Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament: Extremely peaceful; one of the best schooling fish.
- Tank Mates:
- Excellent with neon tetras, cardinals, rasboras, guppies, cories, gouramis.
- Avoid large or aggressive fish (they stress easily).
- Grouping:
- MUST be kept in schools of 10 or more — the red nose fades when stressed or in small groups.
- Behavior:
- One of the tightest schooling fish; swim together beautifully.
- Red nose intensifies when they are happy and healthy.
💡 Care Notes
- Sensitive to water quality; requires stable, clean conditions.
- Red nose is a health indicator — if it fades, the fish may be stressed.
- Ideal for blackwater or heavily planted aquariums.
- A stunning and peaceful addition that adds elegance and synchronized movement to any community tank.
