Can Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Glowlight Danio

Danio choprae

Pink Tailed Chalceus

Chalceus macrolepidotus

🐠Family Group
Glowlight Danio
Cyprinids
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Characins
Temperament
Glowlight Danio
Peaceful (2/10)
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
20–26°C
Pink Tailed Chalceus
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
6–7.5
Pink Tailed Chalceus
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
2–15
Pink Tailed Chalceus
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
Freshwater Only
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glowlight Danio
Moderate
Pink Tailed Chalceus
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 250 L
Glowlight Danio
60 L
Pink Tailed Chalceus
250 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Glowlight Danio
TopMiddle
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glowlight Danio
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Jumper (Lid Required)Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShrimp EaterAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Glowlight Danio
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Glowlight Danio is a peaceful species (2/10), while Pink Tailed Chalceus is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Pink Tailed Chalceus may occasionally assert dominance over Glowlight Danio.

Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus both frequent the Top (Surface) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Glowlight Danio is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus together, plan for an aquarium of at least 250 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus.

Show 1 more tank size

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Pink Tailed Chalceus is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Glowlight Danio.

Because Glowlight Danio is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Pink Tailed Chalceus receives an adequate share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus need?

A minimum of 250 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Glowlight Danio or Pink Tailed Chalceus aggressive?

Glowlight Danio is peaceful (2/10) and Pink Tailed Chalceus is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Glowlight Danio and Pink Tailed Chalceus need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
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