Pink-tail Chalceus

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: 10–15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–20 dGH, KH 1–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Pink-tail Chalceus needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Plant safe

Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Feed insects, earthworms, prawns, mussels and quality floating carnivore foods. Do not use live feeder fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Northern South America.

Natural habitat: Pelagic, well-oxygenated waters of the Negro and Orinoco basins and coastal rivers of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. The fish stays near the surface and takes insects and small fish.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Advanced.

Current taxonomy places Chalceus macrolepidotus in Chalceidae rather than Characidae. Adults reach about 25 cm standard length and may measure up to 30 cm in total length. This species can injure itself by colliding with the aquarium or cover.

Before adding this fish

• Plan for an aquarium of 600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length.
• Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
• Offer a varied diet that matches this species.