Description
The Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra (Petitella bleheri, formerly Hemigrammus bleheri; ‘Brilliant’ line) is a premium color-enhanced variety of the classic Rummy Nose Tetra, prized for its intensely red nose, brighter silver body, and razor-sharp black-and-white tail pattern. Famous for its incredibly tight schooling behavior, this fish creates one of the most mesmerizing displays in freshwater aquariums when kept in groups.
Originating from the Amazon River Basin, Petitella bleheri naturally inhabits warm, soft, plant-rich blackwater streams. The Brilliant variety has been selectively bred to enhance coloration and clarity, resulting in a fish with a deeper red nose and more reflective body than standard rummy nose tetras. It is a South American tetra and should not be confused with the cool-water Rummynose Rasbora (Sawbwa resplendens).
Like all Rummy nose tetras, this variety is well known as a natural water-quality indicator. When conditions are optimal, their red nose coloration becomes exceptionally vivid.
A full-grown Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra reaches approximately 1.75–2 inches (4.5–5 cm). Its streamlined, torpedo-shaped body shimmers with a polished silver finish, while the head displays a bold, saturated red mask extending past the gills. The tail features crisp horizontal black and white striping that flashes dramatically as the school moves together.
Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetras are extremely peaceful schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of 8–12 or more. Larger schools reduce stress, improve color, and showcase their signature synchronized swimming behavior. Excellent Rummy Nose Tetra tank mates include: Other tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, Dwarf cichlids (Rams, Apistogramma), Gouramis, and Angelfish (in larger tanks). Avoid aggressive or highly boisterous fish that may disrupt schooling.
At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra for sale and other Tetras for sale are tank-bred, grown, and sold with love and care. Every fish is quarantined before listing, packed carefully, and shipped live within the USA from our Virginia-based fish store, backed by our live-arrival guarantee. Visit our fish store online or aquarium in Virginia for more high-quality freshwater fish for sale, such as betta fish for sale, aquatic plants for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, and other aquarium supplies.
What You Can Expect From Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra
Enhanced red nose and brighter silver body
One of the tightest schooling fish in the hobby
Peaceful and community-safe
Ideal for planted and aquascaped tanks
Excellent indicator of water quality
Hardy once established in stable conditions
Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra Water Parameters
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (larger preferred for schooling)
Temperature: 76°–82°F (24°–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.0
Hardness: 1–8 dGH
Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow, well-oxygenated water
Brilliant Rummy Nose Tetra Care Guidelines
Diet: Omnivorous. Feed high-quality micro pellets, flakes, and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to maintain coloration and vitality.
Tank Setup: Heavily planted aquariums with open swimming space, driftwood, and subdued lighting best replicate their natural Amazon habitat.
Behavior: Highly social and active schooling fish. Larger groups produce the most dramatic visual impact.
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