Hemigrammus

Not a common species in the hobby, although it does occasionally show up as a contaminant among imports of more popular species. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new or different genera....

Not a common fish in the trade, most of the specimens imported come in as contaminants among batches of more popular species. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new or different genera....

This is the species most commonly sold as 'rummy-nose tetra' in aquatic outlets. A selectively-bred "golden" variant has also been produced by commercial breeders and is available from time-to-time. The natural form is very similar to both the "true" rummy-nose, Hemigrammus rhodostomus and the 'false' rummy-nose, Petitella georgiae in appearance. The 3 species can distinguished by several factors. The first is by the extent to which the red colouration...

This species is very rare in the hobby, and should be snapped up if seen on sale. In the past it was considered a subspecies of H. micropterus. Supposedly, it's not a particularly common species in any of its natural waters. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the lik...

Not a common species in the hobby, although it does occasionally show up as a contaminant among imports of more popular species. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new or different genera....

This species is ubiquitous in most dealers' tanks and is one of the best choices for the newcomer to fishkeeping, being both hardy and inexpensive. There is a selectively-bred albino form that has been produced for the trade and has become popular in recent years. Care for this is identical to the standard form. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 spe...

Also known as the costello or green neon tetra, this species is seen much less often in the hobby than it used to be. It's occasionally confused with the common head and tail light tetra, H. ocellifer, as it resembles an elongated version of that species. Like all Hemigrammus, its taxonomic status is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is require...

A rather rare fish in the UK hobby. It occasionally shows up as a contaminant among imports of more popular species. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new or different genera....

Also known as the beacon tetra, this species is ubiquitous in most dealers' tanks and is one of the best choices for the newcomer to fishkeeping. It's both hardy and inexpensive. It has been popular in the hobby for several decades. There is a selectively bred albino form that has become popular in recent years, for which care is identical to the standard fish. There is possibly also a subspecies, H. ocellifer falsus that lacks the red spot at the caudal peduncle (the gold-coloured tai...

Also known as the garnet or black wedge tetra, H. pulcher is deservedly popular in the hobby. It's both hardy and inexpensive, and is a good choice for the beginner. There was previously a subspecies, H. pulcher haraldi. This has now been reclassified as a distinct species, H. haraldi. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Mo...

This is the 'real' rummy-nose. The species most often sold as such is, in fact, the firehead tetra, H. bleheri. These 2 are very similar in appearance, as is the 'false' rummy-nose, Petitella georgiae. The 3 species can distinguished by several factors. The first, is by the extent to which the red colouration on the head of the fish extends into the body. H. bleheri is the only one of the 3 in which the red extends beyond the gill covers. The amount of red colouration on ...

This species has something of a confused taxonomic past. The standard colour of the fish is a rather dull silvery grey, with a little colour in the fins. However in certain areas in nature, the species is sensitive to a particular type of trematode parasite. This causes a reaction in the skin of the fish, resulting in a spectacular metallic gold colouration formed by deposits of guanin. When initially discovered, these golden fish were mistakenly described as a new species, Hemigrammus armstron...

Not often seen for sale, but occasionally shows up as a contaminant among imports of more popular species. It's a subtly attractive species when in good condition. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new or diff...

Other species are frequently misidentified as H. ulreyi. The true fish is quite scarce in the hobby, but makes a very attractive addition to most tanks if you can find it. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new or d...

Despite its abundance in nature, this is not a commonly seen species in the hobby. When it is available, it's usually only as a contaminant among imports of other species. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new...

The only time you'll probably come across this species is as a contaminant among imports of other species. This is a pity, as it's an attractive, peaceful little fish. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into ne...