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Petitella bleheri

Rummynose Tetra

Rummynose Tetra

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Remarks:  This particular rummynose tetra was formerly classified as Hemigrammus bleheri, but recent analysis resulted in them being reclassified as Petitella bleheri. All three species of rummynose tetras sport bright red faces and a flagtail pattern on their caudal fin, but this particular species shows the most red on the face with the color extending past the gill plate. This has made them the most desirable of the three species and is the one most commonly bred in captivity. In the wild, this coloration helps with predation as their red heads blend into the reddish-brown water so a predator is more like to go for their tails instead. A bite to the tail is far less serious than a bite to the head! 

  Rummynose tetras are native to blackwater habitats in the Rio Negro and Rio Meta within both Columbia and Brazil. These waters are very warm, soft, acidic, calm, and full of botanicals. For the rummynose tetra to thrive in the aquarium, these parameters should be replicated. Notably, the conditions preferred by these colorful little tetras are similar to that of discus so many fish keepers like keeping the two species together. The presence of the rummynose tetra actually can be very helpful for those looking to keep discus as the rummynose tetra is essentially a living water quality indicator! This is because stress will cause the red color on their face to wash out. If your rummynose tetra does not have a completely red head and is not sick, has not recently been moved, is being kept with a large enough school, and is not with aggressive tankmates, then the water parameters are almost certainly the issue. Incorrect pH, water hardness, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels can all be factors that cause the rummynose tetra to turn pale. If you see this loss of color, you should perform water tests to determine which parameter is off.

  The rummynose tetra is a very tight shoaling fish that can be found travelling in groups of thousands in the wild. This means these little tetras should be kept in as large of groups as possible within the aquarium with there being no less than 10 fish in a group. Not keeping them in the correct numbers can result in the fish feeling unsafe and becoming extremely stressed. The more you have, the more brave they will be and the more likely you will be able to witness courting and harmless sparring behavior. Providing plenty of cover in the form of driftwood and aquatic plants will also help in encouraging the rummynose tetra to not hide. Tankmates that are aggressive or large enough to swallow them should be avoided as like many small tetras, the rummynose tetra does not have any true means of defense. Otherwise, these colorful and useful little tetras make an excellent addition to almost any peaceful, soft water community tank.

Animal Data

  • Native to: South America
  • Breeding: Tank-raised in Indonesia
  • Max adult size: 1-2"
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Care skill: Beginner

Tank Parameters

  • Temp range: 76°F - 84°F
  • pH range: 5.0 - 7.0
  • TDS range: 10 ppm - 100 ppm
  • Min Tank Size: 20 gal

Shipping Info

We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.

US Zone 1 UPS Next Day Air $39.99
US Zone 2 UPS Next Day Air $49.99
US Zone 3 UPS Next Day Air $59.99
US Zone 4 UPS Next Day Air $69.99
Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska UPS 1-2 Day Air Starts at $89.99
Canada UPS 1-2 Day Air Starts at $89.99
Florida UPS Next Day Ground $19.99
Local pickup Select at checkout No charge
No overseas shipping

Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.

Important order and shipping info

Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.

Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.

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Why buy from us?

Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee

We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!

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Watch how we prepare your animals for shipping

Ordering FAQs

Will my fish look like the picture?

The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.

How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?

Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.

How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!

We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.

How much does shipping cost?

We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.

US Zone 1 UPS Next Day Air $39.99
US Zone 2 UPS Next Day Air $49.99
US Zone 3 UPS Next Day Air $59.99
US Zone 4 UPS Next Day Air $69.99
Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska UPS 1-2 Day Air Starts at $89.99
Canada UPS 1-2 Day Air Starts at $89.99
Florida UPS Next Day Ground $19.99
Local pickup Select at checkout No charge
No overseas shipping

Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.

Important order and shipping info

Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.

Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.

When will I get my order?

We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.

What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?

We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.

However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.

Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?

Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.

Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?

We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.

What if my order is missing something?

First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.

Do you offer pickup on local orders?

Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.

What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?

97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee