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Pinktail Chalceus

Chalceus macrolepidotus

Freshwater South America

A sleek, surface-dwelling predatory characin clothed in prominent silvery scales and finished with a vivid rosy caudal fin. It cruises the upper water column intently looking for falling insects and small fish. It is an exceptional jumper that will readily launch itself if spooked without a heavy lid.

Also called: Pinktail chalceus, Pinktailed characin, Pink-tailed characin.

22 cm adult length, drawn to scale. slim body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 22 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 350 L, at least 150 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 50 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 3 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 23 to 28 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6 to 7.5 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 4 to 15, KH 2 to 8 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Medium Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Predator Territorial: weak.
Swims in Upper water Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 10 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Some experience helps A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Pinktail Chalceus is an carnivore that swims in the upper water. It is safe with plants. It will eat fish small enough to swallow.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.