Firehead Tetra

The firehead tetra is recognized by its silvery body, blood-red head and the black-and-white horizontal stripes on its tail. Its most obvious difference from the rummy-nose tetra on this site (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) is that the red color extends behind the gill cover onto the front of the body. A significant share of the fish sold in the trade as "rummy nose" belong to this species. The redness of the head is a good indicator of water quality; in poor water the color fades quickly.

• At least 80 liters and 80 cm length for a school of 10–15.
• 24–27°C, pH 5.5–7, soft water; a mature aquarium with low nitrate is essential.
• Planted edges, roots and open swimming space in the middle.
• 25% water change weekly; it is sensitive to ammonia and nitrite swings.

Omnivorous. Small granules and flakes should be the staple; vary the diet with frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops and bloodworms.

A peaceful species with a very strong schooling bond; in a large group the whole school changes direction at the same moment. Because it likes warm water, it also suits discus tanks.

Good companions: discus, dwarf cichlids, cardinals and other small tetras, corydoras, otocinclus, shrimp.

Avoid: large predators, active fin-nipping species, coldwater species.