Peruvian Rummynose Tetra
Peruvian Rummynose Tetra
Peruvian Rummynose Tetra (Petitella georgiae) is one of three fish sold commercially as Rummynose Tetras — distinguished from Petitella bleheri by its Peruvian origin and subtle differences in the extent of red on the head. In practice the two species are nearly identical in the aquarium and share the same care requirements, spectacular tight schooling behavior, and living water quality indicator function.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed or soaked) and Sera Vipan Baby make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily in a calm environment.
Native to the Peruvian Amazon — rivers draining the Andean foothills into the upper Amazon basin. The same three-species Rummynose complex also includes Hemigrammus bleheri. All three have the diagnostic red head, silver body, and black-and-white striped tail.
Keep in groups of at least 10 — the larger the school, the tighter and more synchronized the schooling behavior. Groups of 20 or more produce the famous torpedo-shaped tight school. The red head coloration functions as a direct water quality indicator — it fades noticeably when conditions deteriorate.
Can be mixed freely with standard Rummynose Tetras in a single school. For aquarists building a Peruvian biotope, this species provides locality accuracy.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — active schooling |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 10 minimum — 20+ for tight schooling |
| Ideal Temp | 74–81°F (23–27°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Ideal GH | 1–8 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 0–4 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets (crushed/soaked); Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen Daphnia |
| Origin | Peruvian Amazon (upper Amazon drainage) |
| Notes | Petitella georgiae — Peruvian species of three-Rummynose complex. Nearly identical to P. bleheri in aquarium. Red head fades with poor water quality. Locality-correct for Peruvian biotopes. |
