The albino variety of this beloved freshwater aquarium species is as striking as the wild color form!
The Albino Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri "Albino"), also known as the Firehead Tetra, is a very popular schooling community fish. Its red-orange nose and horizontally striped black and white tail make it a very distinctive aquarium fish. The albino form of this fish still often displays the red-orange face, but its tail striping is white and transparent (instead of black).
The Albino Rummy Nose Tetra typically occupies the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is safe with other peaceful, small fish. Adult dwarf shrimp are generally safe as well, but adult Rummy Nose Tetras may eat small dwarf shrimp and their fry. Larger, peaceful invertebrates can also make good tankmates. The Rummy Nose Tetra must be kept in schools of 6 or more. Since it is tank-raised, the Rummy Nose Tetra is fairly adaptable, but its natural habitat contains soft, acidic water rich in tannins and leaf litter.
While not a picky eater, the Rummy Nose Tetra will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of meaty foods. High-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried tubifex and bloodworms will all be readily accepted.
- Unique red-orange facial coloration with transparent and white striped tail
- Peaceful disposition with fish and peaceful invertebrates
- Very active and noticeable schooling fish in any aquarium
- Excellent for inhabiting the top of the aquarium
- Very uncommon albino variety
- Temperature: 64° - 82° F (18° - 27.7° C)
- pH: 5.5 - 7.0 (more acidic water is preferable)
- KH: 4 - 8 dKH
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
- Diet: Omnivorous. Will easily accept high quality dry and frozen foods.
- Social behavior: Peaceful, schooling/shoaling.
- Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to South America
- Average adult size: 1 - 1.5 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm)
- Average purchase size: 1/2 - 1 inch (1.3 - 2.5 cm)