Yellowfin chalceus

Care at a glance

Overview

This is an active, powerful swimmer that needs a long tank of at least 300 liters and a tightly sealed lid, because it is a determined jumper. Keep a small group of similarly sized fish and expect it to eat small tankmates, so choose companions it cannot swallow. It is not aggressive toward fish it cannot eat, but it is fast and greedy at feeding time.

In the wild

Lives in the upper water of rivers and streams in the western Amazon, often near the surface. It is a fast, active hunter that chases insects and small fish. The large, shiny scales flash as it moves.

Good to know

Chalceus erythrurus has unusually large scales and reaches about 24 cm. It is closely related to the pink tail chalceus but has yellow rather than red fins. The species sits in its own small family, Chalceidae.

Did you know

The big, mirror like scales and forked tail make this fish look built for speed, and it will leap clear of an open tank without hesitation.

Related species

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  Pink-tail chalceus

  Chalceus macrolepidotus

  9.8 in (25 cm)63 gal (240 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)

• 

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• 

  Largescale four-eyed fish

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• 

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• 

  Bloch's catfish

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• 

  Kissing gourami

  Helostoma temminckii

  9.8 in (25 cm)36 gal (135 L)72–86°F (22–30°C)