Can Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio 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

Pink Tailed Chalceus

Chalceus macrolepidotus

Rose Danio

Danio roseus

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

Can your tank handle Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio?

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.

Pink Tailed Chalceus
Rose Danio
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Pink Tailed Chalceus is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Rose Danio is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Pink Tailed Chalceus may occasionally assert dominance over Rose Danio.

Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio 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 Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) 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: Pink Tailed Chalceus 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 Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio 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, Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio 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 Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio.

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 Rose Danio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio live together?

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

What size tank do Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio 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 Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio 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 Pink Tailed Chalceus or Rose Danio aggressive?

Pink Tailed Chalceus is moderately assertive (6/10) and Rose Danio is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Pink Tailed Chalceus and Rose Danio 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 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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