Pink-tail chalceus
Chalceus macrolepidotus
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–82°F
- 23–28°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 9.8 in
- 25 cm
- Minimum tank
- 63 gal
- 240 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Very rare
- Family
- Chalceidae
- Origin
- South America
Overview
The pink-tail chalceus is an active open-water fish for a large freshwater tank. It is easy to care for, as long as you can give it the room.
Did you know
The pink-tail chalceus leaps in the wild to grab insects off overhanging plants and to escape trouble.
Caring for the pink-tail chalceus
The pink-tail chalceus needs serious space, at least 63 gal (240 L) and realistically more for a group. It is built for open water and movement, so length and swimming room matter more than anything. It is a committed, strong jumper, and a startled fish can launch straight out of the tank, so a tight, secure lid is not optional.
Keep the water at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed quality pellets along with meaty foods such as prawn and earthworm.
The pink-tail chalceus is mostly peaceful but predatory, so it will eat tank mates small enough to fit in its mouth. House it only with fish too large to be seen as a meal. It is fine alone or in a group. Its breeding habits in aquariums are not well documented.
Good to know
The pink-tail chalceus belongs to the family Chalceidae. It has big, coarse scales and a predatory build, and in the wild it feeds on insects, smaller fish and crustaceans. There is no major conservation concern recorded for it.
In the wild
The pink-tail chalceus is a South American fish from larger rivers and faster-flowing stretches. It is often found near roots and woodwork.
Common questions
What size tank does a pink-tail chalceus need?
A pink-tail chalceus needs at least 63 gal (240 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a pink-tail chalceus need?
A pink-tail chalceus is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a pink-tail chalceus eat?
A pink-tail chalceus eats quality pellets along with meaty foods such as prawn and earthworm.
How big does a pink-tail chalceus get?
An adult pink-tail chalceus reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).
Related species
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