Pinktail chalceus (Chalceus macrolepidotus)

Scientific name: Chalceus macrolepidotus Cuvier, 1818

Pinktail chalceus (Chalceus macrolepidotus)

The Pinktail chalceus (Chalceus macrolepidotus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 25.4 cm (10 in). It is moderate to keep and aggressive and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 23–28°C (73–82°F) and a pH of 6.0–7.5. Native range: South America, Negro and Orinoco River basins.

Pinktail chalceus care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Aggressive
Adult size
25.4 cm (10 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
23–28°C (73–82°F)
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
6–18 dGH (107–321 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Is very active and is always moving. Frequently found in well oxygenated waters. Occurs mainly near the surface and at times jumps out of the water. Feeds on worms, insect larvae and small fishes.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Chalceus macrolepidotus
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
24.5
Environment
Freshwater; pelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Negro and Orinoco River basins and coastal rivers in Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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