Can Rummy Nose Tetra Live With Skunk Cleaner Shrimp?
Incompatible pH. Rummy Nose Tetra needs 5.5–7.0, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp needs 8.1–8.4.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Rummy Nose Tetra | Skunk Cleaner Shrimp | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–84°F | 75–82°F | 75–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 5.5–7 | 8.1–8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 2.5" | 3" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 20 gal | 20 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Species Profiles
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Rummy nose tetras are considered the ultimate schooling fish in the freshwater hobby. Their tight, synchronized formations are unmatched by any other tetra species. The vivid red nose serves as a health indicator — bright red means healthy, pale red means stressed. They prefer soft, acidic water and are slightly more demanding than neon tetras.
Full care guide →Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Skunk cleaner shrimp are one of the most useful invertebrates in reef tanks. They operate a 'cleaning station' where fish line up to have parasites, dead skin, and debris removed from their bodies and gills. This natural cleaning service helps keep fish healthy and disease-free. They are also strikingly beautiful with their red-and-white striped body and long white antennae.
Full care guide →