Species profile
Pink-tailed Chalceus
Chalceus macrolepidotus
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
500 L minimum aquarium
20–25 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Keep in a group in a very large covered aquarium. Singletons can become nervous or aggressive and the species is an exceptional jumper.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
2–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3
Large, fast surface-oriented characin. Keep a real group to diffuse aggression and provide long uninterrupted swimming space; smaller fish may be eaten.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
8–12 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
500 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Chalceus macrolepidotus
Alternative names
Pink-tailed Chalceus, Pinktail Chalceus
Native range
Amazon and Orinoco river systems and Guiana Shield drainages of northern South America.
Natural habitat
Rivers and tributaries where fish patrol surface and midwater zones beneath overhanging vegetation and open banks.
Diet & feeding
Surface-feeding omnivore/predator taking insects, crustaceans, small fish and plant/fruit material; offer varied floating foods and frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
No reliable routine external sexing method; mature females may be fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Aquarium breeding is extremely uncommon; reliable routine home-aquarium breeding protocols are not established.