red-nose tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri)

Family: Characidae

A peaceful omnivore characidae from the Rio Negro basin of South America (Brazil and Colombia) — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 23–26 °C
pH: 5–6
GH hardness: 5–12 dGH
Adult length: 2.5–3.6 cm
Minimum tank: 36 L
Water layer: Mid-water swimmer; keep 10+
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: 南美洲内格罗河流域（巴西、哥伦比亚）

Species overview

A Characidae species: Hemigrammus bleheri lives mid-water swimmer; keep 10+ over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Peaceful. Adults reach 2.5–3.6 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Hemigrammus species we profile, alongside Hemigrammus ocellifer, Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Hemigrammus erythrozonus.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow: Moderate flow
Dissolved O₂: Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape: Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants: Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Keep 10+; larger groups settle better
Diet: Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method: Egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is red-nose tetra easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful. Keep 10+; larger groups settle better.

What temperature and water chemistry does red-nose tetra need?

Hold 23–26 °C and keep it stable — 23–26 °C recorded range. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.

How big does red-nose tetra get, and what tank size?

Full size is 2.5–3.6 cm. Minimum tank: 36 L, with open swimming space along its mid-water swimmer; keep 10+ habits.

What does red-nose tetra eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can red-nose tetra live with other fish?

Peaceful; keep 10+; larger groups settle better. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does red-nose tetra come from?

Comes from 南美洲内格罗河流域（巴西、哥伦比亚）: clear streams, rivers and still waters. Expect moderate flow and average oxygen needs.

How does red-nose tetra breed?

In the aquarium: egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.