Pink-tail chalceus

Care at a glance

Overview

Mostly peaceful but predatory, so it will eat tankmates small enough to fit in its mouth. It lives in the upper and middle water and needs serious space, at least 240 liters and realistically more for a group. Keep it in low to high 20s C with a pH of 6 to 7.5. Feed quality pellets along with meaty foods like prawn and earthworm, and house it only with fish too large to be seen as a meal.

In the wild

The pink-tail chalceus is a South American fish from larger rivers and faster flowing stretches, often near roots and woodwork. It is built for open water and movement, so it needs length and swimming room more than anything. Give it a big tank with a secure lid, since it is a strong jumper.

Good to know

This species is in the family Chalceidae and grows large, to around 25 cm. It has big, coarse scales and a predatory build, feeding on insects, smaller fish, and crustaceans in the wild. Its breeding habits in aquariums are not well documented. There is no major conservation concern recorded for it.

Did you know

This fish is a committed jumper. In the wild it leaps to grab insects off overhanging plants and to escape trouble, and in a tank a startled chalceus can launch straight out, so a tight cover is not optional.

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