Rednose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)
| Rednose Tetra Hemigrammus rhodostomus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Rednose Tetra |
| Name Lat. | Hemigrammus rhodostomus |
| Family | Characins |
| Family lat. | Characidae |
| Order | Characins |
| Order lat. | Characiformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Tributaries, forest streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5 cm |
| Temperature | 23-27 °C |
| Hardness | 2-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2" |
| Temperature | 73-81 °F |
| Hardness | 36-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Ahls Redmouth Tetra is the river systems of the Rio Orinoco and the lower Amazon. There they live in the slow-flowing, nutrient-poor blackwater rivers that originate in the humic rainforests and are dark brown in color.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have soft, slightly acidic water and varied planting that provides both shelter and swimming space. A dark substrate, shaded light (floating plant cover) and low current is ideal.
There should be no detectable ammonia, ammonium or nitrite, and the nitrate level should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food offer consists of live food, such as cyclops, daphnia and tubifex, which is accepted without problems also in frozen form, supplemented with frozen food mixtures. Especially mysis and mosquito larvae should not be missing. In addition, they also need some vegetable food, such as crushed peas, mashed leafy and wild vegetables or dry food (flakes, granules) with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp)
A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance. Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
Ahls Redmouth Tetras are peaceful sociable fish that are well suited for any community tank. At least 5, but preferably many more Ahls Redmouth Tetras should be kept together.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized
Sex dimorphism
The males are slightly smaller and slimmer than the females.
Reproduction and breeding
In soft, slightly acidic peat water they usually spawn up to 150 eggs between fine-feathered plants. The larvae hatch after about 15 hours and swim freely after 2-3 days.
Juveniles must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
Ahl's red mouth tetras are easily confused with Hemigrammus bleheri (red headed tetras) and Petitella georgiae (Georgis red mouth tetras).
Feeding plant foods reduces the risk of the fish eating the tender shoots of aquatic plants.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Sabina Lamboj; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF