Pink Tail Chalceus

fish description – Pink Tail Chalceus Care Guide (Chalceus\ macrolepidotus)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Chalceus\ macrolepidotus$
Common Name	Pink Tail Chalceus, Large-Scaled Chalceus
Origin	Negro and Orinoco River basins (South America)
Adult Size	10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
Temperament	Semi-aggressive, Highly Predatory (surface hunter), Skittish
Lifespan	10–15+ years
Care Level	Advanced (due to size, speed, and jumping risk)

Export to Sheets

---

 

Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A large, long, streamlined fish with large, iridescent silver scales that often shimmer with a pink or gold metallic hue. Its most distinct feature is the vivid pink or dark red caudal fin. It has an upturned mouth for surface feeding.
• Coloration: Silvery-white or gold body with bright pink/red tail and often yellow/orange highlights on other fins. Sexing is difficult; females tend to be slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males.
• Fins: Large, proportional fins. The tail fin provides the namesake coloration.
• Behavior: Extremely fast and active swimmer that occupies the top water column. They are skittish and prone to jumping out of the water, especially when startled (a natural hunting behavior). They are predatory and will eat small fish.

---

 

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (378 liters) is the recommended minimum for a single adult. 180 gallons or larger is required for a small group. A tank length of 6 feet or more is essential. A secure, heavy, and tightly fitting lid is mandatory.
• Schooling: Best kept singly or in a large group of 6 or more individuals (introduced simultaneously). Smaller groups often result in fierce aggression and squabbling among themselves.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $73^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}\ (23^\circ$–$28^\circ\mathrm{C})$.
• pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic water: 6.0 to 7.5. Requires high oxygenation and excellent filtration due to its predatory diet. Moderate to strong water flow is appreciated.
• Aquascape: Requires vast open swimming space in the center and top of the tank. Provide cover along the sides and back using large driftwood, smooth rocks, and robust, well-anchored plants. Subdued lighting helps reduce their skittishness.

---

 

Diet and Feeding

 

The Pink Tail Chalceus is a dedicated carnivore and surface predator.

• Staple Diet: Should be fed a high-protein diet. Accepts floating pellets, flakes, and sinking meaty foods.
• Supplementation: Offer live or frozen meaty foods regularly: Krill, Prawns, Mysis Shrimp, Chopped Fish Fillets, and Earthworms. They will also take large insects (crickets) from the water surface.
• Schedule: Feed once or twice daily. Ensure all food is consumed immediately, as uneaten meaty food can quickly spoil the water.

---

 

Compatibility

 

• Caution: Will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth and may be territorial toward other surface-dwelling fish. They are skittish and may crash into decor/glass when startled. Aggression towards conspecifics is high in small groups.
• Good Tank Mates: Other large, robust, and fast-moving fish that are too big to be preyed upon. Examples include Arowanas, large Catfish (Plecos, Synodontis), large Cichlids (Oscars, Severums), and large Characins (Silver Dollars, Metynnis).