False Rummy-nose Tetra

Petitella georgiae is one of three fish commonly sold as "Rummy-nose Tetra" in the aquarium trade, alongside Hemigrammus rhodostomus and Hemigrammus bleheri. All three share the striking red head and horizontally striped caudal fin, but P. georgiae is distinguished by the red colouring extending less far back on the body and a somewhat more adaptable water parameter tolerance.

This species is native to the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon and is commonly found in soft, acidic blackwater streams. In the aquarium it performs best in groups of ten or more where the tight schooling behaviour and the collective display of red-nosed faces is a uniquely striking effect. It is a classic Amazon biotope fish.

Feeding with quality micro-pellets and regular frozen invertebrates maintains peak health. Water quality is the most important factor: this species is sensitive to ammonia and nitrite and requires consistent, high-quality maintenance.