Pink Tail Chalceus Care Guide
Chalceus macrolepidotus
Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score
10000
- Max Size
- 25 cm / 10"
- Temperature
- 23–28°C (73–82°F)
- pH Range
- 6 – 7.5
- Min Tank Size
- 300L (79 gal)
- Min Group Size
- 6 fish
- Tank Level
- Mid
- Origin
- South America
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Difficult
Diet
A surface‑oriented carnivore that feeds on insects, small fishes and crustaceans, and in aquaria should be given meaty foods like shrimp, krill, mussel, worms and quality carnivore pellets.
Community Compatibility
Semi‑aggressive, fast top‑dweller best kept with robust, similarly sized characins, larger peaceful cichlids and big catfish, while small fish and other surface species will be harassed or eaten.
Good to Know
The Pink Tail Chalceus (Chalceus macrolepidotus) is the type species of the genus Chalceus and is famed for its mirror‑bright scales, vivid pink tail and habit of leaping from fast‑flowing South American rivers to snatch flying insects.
Gender Differences
Sexes are very similar, but large adult females are reported to appear slightly fuller‑bellied once they reach around 20 cm in length.
Stock Pink Tail Chalceus in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Pink Tail Chalceus fits your aquarium