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Pinktail Chalceus
Chalceus macrolepidotus
📍 South America
The Pinktail Chalceus is a large, active schooling fish native to South American river systems, known for its silvery body and distinctive pink-tinged tail fin. These fish are fast swimmers that require substantial tank space and thrive in groups, making them suitable for experienced aquarists with larger setups. They are predatory and will consume smaller fish, so careful tankmate selection is essential.
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Care Guide
Diet
Pinktail Chalceus are carnivorous and require a diet rich in protein. Feed high-quality pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small fish or feeder fish 2-3 times daily. They will readily consume live prey and benefit from varied meaty foods to maintain coloration and health.
Behavior
These are active, fast-swimming fish that are most comfortable in groups of 4 or more, displaying schooling behavior in larger tanks. They are predatory and will chase and consume smaller fish, making them unsuitable for community tanks with small species. They are generally peaceful toward similarly-sized fish but may exhibit aggression during feeding.
Breeding
Breeding Pinktail Chalceus in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very large tanks, specific water conditions, and seasonal temperature fluctuations to trigger spawning. Commercial breeding is limited, making captive-bred specimens uncommon in the hobby.
Tank Mates
Similar size and temperament; both are schooling fish that appreciate open swimming space
Large, robust cichlid that can hold its own with Chalceus; similar water parameter requirements
Nocturnal bottom-dweller that occupies different tank zones; large enough to avoid predation
Similar size and activity level but may compete aggressively during feeding; requires careful monitoring
Fast swimmer with similar size and space requirements; both prefer open water and similar temperatures
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy
Increase water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform water changes, use ich medication containing malachite green or formalin; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibacterial medication; ensure proper nutrition and reduce stress
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, ulcers on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, pale coloration, clamped fins
Use antiparasitic medication, perform water changes, quarantine affected fish; improve tank conditions and reduce stocking density
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and large meaty foods
- lifespan
- 8-12 years
- max size
- 25 cm (10 in)
- tank size
- 150 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)