Rummy Nose Tetra - Petitella georgiae var

Rummy Nose Tetra (Petitella georgiae) The Rummy Nose Tetra, also known as the False Rummy Nose Tetra, is an attractive freshwater shoaling fish recognised for its distinctive red nose, shimmering silver body and striking black-and-white striped tail. Native to the tropical waterways of South America, this peaceful species is particularly admired for its coordinated swimming behaviour, with groups often moving closely together through the aquarium. Its contrasting colours and lively appearance make it an excellent addition to mature planted aquariums and carefully maintained community setups. Rummy Nose Tetras are especially rewarding when kept in larger groups, where their natural shoaling behaviour creates an impressive display. Common Name: Rummy Nose Tetra, False Rummy Nose Tetra, False Rummynose Tetra Scientific Name (Latin): Petitella georgiae Maximum Size: Approximately 4–5 cm including the tail Water Type: Freshwater Origin / Natural Habitat: The Rummy Nose Tetra originates from South America, with populations recorded throughout parts of the Amazon River basin, including Peru and Brazil. Wild Petitella georgiae inhabit freshwater tributaries, forest streams and sheltered waterways, particularly in environments containing soft, acidic water. These natural habitats are often associated with submerged roots, fallen branches, leaf litter and shaded areas beneath overhanging vegetation. The water may be stained by naturally occurring tannins released from decaying plant material, creating the subdued conditions commonly associated with Amazonian blackwater environments. In the wild, these fish form groups and feed on small aquatic invertebrates, worms and other naturally available food sources. Water Parameters: Temperature: 23–27°C pH Range: 5.5–7.0 Hardness: Soft to Slightly Hard Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: Kept low and stable Temperament: Peaceful Rummy Nose Tetras are peaceful, social fish that are best maintained in groups of at least 10 individuals, with larger groups recommended wherever aquarium space allows. They are naturally shoaling fish and generally display more confident, settled behaviour when maintained alongside sufficient numbers of their own species. They are suitable for peaceful freshwater community aquariums containing similarly sized fish that appreciate comparable water conditions. Avoid aggressive, territorial or predatory species, as Rummy Nose Tetras can become stressed when housed with intimidating tankmates. Their generally calm temperament makes them particularly suitable for planted community aquariums and South American-inspired freshwater displays. Diet: Omnivore Rummy Nose Tetras naturally consume small worms, aquatic invertebrates, tiny crustaceans and some plant material. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet consisting of high-quality tropical flakes, fine granules and appropriately sized micro pellets. Their diet can be supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, small bloodworms and other suitably sized aquatic invertebrates. A varied feeding routine helps maintain healthy body condition, natural colouration and overall vitality. Feed small portions once or twice daily, ensuring food is distributed throughout the group and consumed promptly. Minimum Tank Size: Approximately 90 litres Rummy Nose Tetras are active shoaling fish that require sufficient horizontal swimming space to display their characteristic coordinated movement. An aquarium measuring approximately 80–90 cm in length or greater is recommended for a group of at least 10 individuals. Larger aquariums are preferable for substantial shoals or mixed community setups. Provide a combination of open swimming areas, plants, driftwood and natural shelter without restricting movement through the aquarium. Behaviour & Activity: The Rummy Nose Tetra is an active midwater swimmer that is particularly well known for its impressive shoaling behaviour. Unlike some tetra species that form loose groups, Rummy Nose Tetras often maintain relatively close formations, swimming together and changing direction in coordinated movements. Their distinctive red facial colouration provides an attractive contrast against the silver body and boldly patterned tail. The intensity of the red colouring may change depending on environmental conditions, stress, health and general wellbeing. When startled or unsettled, individuals may temporarily become pale or retreat towards sheltered areas. They are most confident in larger groups and appreciate a calm aquarium environment with subdued lighting and natural cover. Community Suitability: Community Fish Rummy Nose Tetras are excellent candidates for peaceful tropical freshwater community aquariums, particularly those maintained with soft to moderately soft water. Suitable companions include peaceful tetras, small rasboras, Corydoras catfish, pencilfish, smaller peaceful dwarf cichlids and other non-aggressive species with similar environmental requirements. They are particularly attractive when maintained in planted South American aquariums containing driftwood, natural substrates and shaded areas. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids and excessively boisterous tankmates that may intimidate them or interfere with feeding. Maintaining an adequately sized group encourages confidence, reduces stress and allows their distinctive shoaling behaviour to develop naturally. Special Requirements or Care Notes: Provide a mature, well-established freshwater aquarium with stable water chemistry and efficient biological filtration. Rummy Nose Tetras can be sensitive to sudden changes in water conditions, making them better suited to established aquariums rather than newly cycled systems. Maintain groups of at least 10 individuals, with larger groups recommended for more impressive natural shoaling behaviour. Soft, slightly acidic water is preferable, and very hard or strongly alkaline conditions should be avoided. Include aquarium plants, driftwood, submerged branches and shaded areas to replicate aspects of their natural environment. Floating plants can help diffuse bright aquarium lighting and encourage more confident behaviour. Regular partial water changes are important to maintain excellent water quality and minimise the accumulation of dissolved waste. The red colouring around the head may become noticeably paler during stress, transport or changes in environmental conditions. Persistent colour loss should prompt a check of water quality and general fish health. Offer a varied diet containing quality prepared foods alongside occasional frozen or live foods. Careful acclimatisation is particularly important when introducing newly purchased specimens, especially where temperature or water chemistry differs between aquariums. Although closely related to other Rummy Nose Tetra species, Petitella georgiae is a distinct species and should not automatically be considered identical to Petitella bleheri or Petitella rhodostoma. Suitable for: Intermediate Availability: Occasional / Regularly Available as Rummy Nose Tetra Imports All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.