Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Asian Rummynose is endemic to an isolated lake in eastern Myanmar. Due to unsustainable agricultural practices and introduced, non-native predatory species, the Asian rummynose is a listed IUCN endangered species. Because of this, Asian rummynose sold at Aquatics Unlimited are sourced only through commercial or aquaculture practices to protect remaining wild populations. The Asian rummynose are not closely related to the common “Red” Rummynose species in which hobbyists are familiar with (Hemigrammus rhodostomus). In fact, these two species have evolved separately on different continents (Asia and South America) and prefer very different water parameters. Additionally, Asian rummynose are not a tetra but rather are more similar to Puntius barbs. Asian rummynose display sexual dimorphism between males and females. Males will have an orange-red color in their face and caudal fin with a gray-blue shimmer in their bodies, while females will have an overall olive colored body and no color in their face or fins. Asian rummynose absolutely require a minimum of 8 to10 individuals to thrive and shoal, but the more the merrier when it comes to this species. A ratio of more females to males is ideal (3:1), however few females get exported given their less desirable appearance compared to males. An adult Asian rummynose can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.

Diet Requirements: Asian rummynose are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. These fish have very small mouths, so choose food accordingly.

Care Requirements: An extremely established minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Asian rummynose. A tight fitting lid is highly suggested because some individuals are known to jump. Asian rummynose are very intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm); they will lose color in unfavorable parameters or if they are uncomfortable in their environment. Given the clear and blackwater environments in which they come from, Asian rummynose like gentle water flow, harder water, and a neutral pH. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a fine substrate and moderate to dense vegetation of live plants. Asian rummynose are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Their timid nature, however, may make them not suitable for typical community aquariums that have overly rambunctious or competitive species. Mix Asian rummynose with peaceful and small-sized shoaling tetra, rasbora or barb (such as Pentazona [Desmopuntius pentazona], Checkerboard [Oliotius oligolepis], or Cherry [Puntius titteya]) species to provide them with security. Recommended water conditions, 68-74° F, KH 12-20, pH 7.0-8.0.

Purchase Size: Medium: 3/4” to 1”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.