The Hemigrammus bleheri, better known as the red-nosed tetra, is a small schooling fish much loved for its bright red head and black-and-white striped caudal fin. Calm, gregarious and spectacular in large groups, it is ideal for community planted aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water.

Origin & habitat

Hemigrammus bleheri is native to South America, mainly the Amazon basin ( Rio Negro and tributary areas) and the Rio Meta region. It frequents acidic, soft and very clean black or amber waters, often near banks lined with roots, dead leaves and dense vegetation.

Description & sexual dimorphism

• Adult size: 4-5 cm
• Lifespan: 4 to 6 years in good conditions
• Body: spindle-shaped, silvery, well-defined lateral line
• Head: characteristic bright red, often extending behind the eye in perfectly healthy individuals
• Caudal fin: highly contrasting black and white stripe pattern

Sexual dimorphism is not very marked: females are slightly rounder, especially during the egg-laying period, while males appear more slender. Colouration remains similar for both sexes.

Recommended water parameters

• Temperature: 24-28°C
• pH: 5.5-7.2 (slightly acidic, much appreciated)
• Hardness: 1-8 °dGH (very soft to soft water)
• Filtration: efficient, very clean water, low nitrate content

This is a species that is sensitive to water quality: a fading nose or dull colours often indicate stress or a problem with parameters. Regular water changes (20-30% per week) are recommended.

Aquarium maintenance

• Minimum recommended volume: from 100 L with a front of at least 80 cm
• Decor: well planted aquarium, with shaded areas, roots, oak/catappa leaves, dark substrate
• Swimming zone: mainly the middle zone, need for a large, clear swimming area
• Lighting: moderate to subdued, floating plants appreciated for filtering light

A decor reminiscent of dark water biotopes (roots, leaves, branches, soft light, amber water) highlights the red head and the contrast of the caudal fin.

Behaviour & cohabitation

Hemigrammus bleheri is a gregarious fish that needs to be kept in shoals of at least 10 individuals, ideally 15-20, to feel safe and express its natural behaviour.

• Character: very peaceful, discreet, spends its time swimming in groups in open water.
• Ideal mates: other small, calm characids, rasboras, corydoras, small loricarids, dwarf gouramis, peaceful apistogramma.
• Avoid: large cichlids, aggressive or overly agitated fish that stress them, small predators.

Their behaviour is often used as an indicator of the wellbeing of the tank: a compact, brightly coloured shoal is a sign of good general conditions.

Diet

Omnivorous with a tendency to eat insects, the red-nosed tetra easily accepts a varied diet:

• Dry food: fine flakes, quality micro-granules for small tropical fish.
• Live/frozen supplements: artemia, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae, which promote colour and reproduction.
• Plant-based: food containing spirulina or plant extracts, for good digestion and improved resistance.

Give several small meals a day rather than one large one, to limit pollution and maintain excellent water quality.

Reproduction in an aquarium

It is possible to breed Hemigrammus bleheri, but this requires specific parameters and careful preparation.

• Dedicated breeding tank (20-40 L) with very soft water (GH < 3), pH 5.5-6.5 and very subdued lighting.
• Substrate: plants with fine leaves (Java moss) or egg-laying mops, sometimes with a bottom grid to protect the eggs.
• Introduce a small group or pair well fed on live food to trigger egg-laying.
• Remove the adults after laying, as they may consume the eggs.
• Hatch in 24-36 hours, feeding fry on infusoria and then artemia nauplia.

Aquabota tips

• Maintain a large shoal to reduce stress and enjoy a spectacular group effect.
• Choose water that is soft, slightly acidic and very clean: this is the key to intense colour and good health.
• Add catappa leaves or other tannins to reproduce their natural biotope.
• Avoid large, lively or aggressive fish that might intimidate them.

Quick facts

• Scientific name: Hemigrammus bleheri
• Common name: red-nosed tetra
• Origin: Amazon basin (Rio Negro, Rio Meta and tributaries)
• Adult size: 4-5 cm
• Swimming area: middle of the tank
• Temperature: 24-28°C
• pH: 5.5-7.2
• Hardness: 1-8 °dGH
• Behaviour: gregarious, very peaceful, sensitive to water quality
• Difficulty level: intermediate (requires stable, clean water)

Shipping & Delivery of live fish

Our Hemigrammus bleheri are prepared with the greatest care in our Aquabota fishroom. Each fish is selected, acclimatised and observed before shipping to ensure optimum health.

• Packaging: oxygenated bags, insulated in crates specially designed for transporting live fish.
• Transport: express delivery via suitable carriers, keeping time spent in transit to a minimum.
• Temperature: use of heaters or ice packs depending on the season to maintain the right temperature.
• Arrival: an Aquabota acclimatisation guide explains step-by-step how to integrate your new residents safely.

If you have any questions before or after placing your order, our Aquabota team will be happy to advise you on compatibility with your current population and the ideal parameters for your aquarium.