A large, incredibly active, and fast-swimming characin from South America known for its shimmering silver body and striking pink tail. They are primarily surface dwellers and are notorious jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory. While generally peaceful with larger tankmates, they are predatory and will consume small fish. They must be kept either singly or in a shoal of 6+; small groups often result in severe squabbling.
Pink Tailed Chalceus At a Glance
Pink Tailed Chalceus Tank Requirements
Will Pink Tailed Chalceus fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Pink Tailed Chalceus needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Pink Tailed Chalceus against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Pink Tailed Chalceus Water Parameters
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Pink Tailed Chalceus Temperament & Compatibility
Pink Tailed Chalceus Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult (Standard)
The adult form. Reaches up to 25cm (10 inches). Requires a spacious 4-foot+ tank with heavy, gapless lids, as they are incredibly powerful jumpers. Must be kept singly or in groups of 6+.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Full Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Typical size sold in aquatic stores. They will grow rapidly and will soon require an upgrade to a 250L+ (65+ gallon) tank. They are already capable jumpers and predators at this size, so avoid keeping them with small tetras.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Young
Pink Tailed Chalceus Care Guide Summary
The Pink Tailed Chalceus, scientifically known as Chalceus macrolepidotus, belongs to the Characins family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 25 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the surface zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Pink Tailed Chalceus requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Pink Tailed Chalceus is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult (Standard) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Pink Tailed Chalceus Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Pink Tailed Chalceus, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Pink Tailed Chalceus Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Pink Tailed Chalceus is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Pink Tailed Chalceus Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Pink Tailed Chalceus.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
Pink Tailed Chalceus Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Pink Tailed Chalceus is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided and will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Tailed Chalceus
How big does Pink Tailed Chalceus get?
Pink Tailed Chalceus (Chalceus macrolepidotus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 25 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Pink Tailed Chalceus need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Pink Tailed Chalceus. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Pink Tailed Chalceus need?
Pink Tailed Chalceus thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Pink Tailed Chalceus peaceful or aggressive?
Pink Tailed Chalceus is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
How many Pink Tailed Chalceus should be kept together?
Pink Tailed Chalceus is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Is Pink Tailed Chalceus safe with shrimp?
No. Pink Tailed Chalceus is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Pink Tailed Chalceus have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Pink Tailed Chalceus benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Pink Tailed Chalceus need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Pink Tailed Chalceus is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Plants That Suit Pink Tailed Chalceus
These plants pair well with Pink Tailed Chalceus based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to Pink Tailed Chalceus
Panda Tetra
Aphyocharax paraguayensis
A small, highly active, and strikingly marked characin native to the Paraguay River basin. Known as the Panda or Dawn Tetra, it features a metallic silver body with distinctive black and white markings on its tail and anal fins. While beautiful and hardy, they are notorious fin-nippers. They must be kept in larger schools to disperse aggression and should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned fish (like Bettas or Angelfish).
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
A large, peaceful schooling characin renowned for its laterally compressed, coin-like silver body. They are notorious herbivores that will devour almost any live plant in the aquarium. Highly skittish, they are known to dart rapidly when startled, requiring ample unobstructed swimming space and a tight-fitting lid.
Plain Silver Dollar
Metynnis hypsauchen
A large, peaceful, schooling characin closely related to pacus and piranhas. Unlike their carnivorous cousins, Silver Dollars are primarily herbivorous and are notorious plant destroyers. They are highly active and easily startled, requiring large tanks with plenty of open swimming space, dim lighting or cover, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping.
Glass Bloodfin Tetra
Prionobrama filigera
A highly active, schooling characin characterized by its translucent body and striking blood-red anal fin. They are peaceful but exceptionally fast-moving, requiring plenty of open horizontal swimming space in the upper levels of the aquarium. They are known to be skilled jumpers, making a tight-fitting lid mandatory.
Freshwater Barracuda
Ctenolucius hujeta
The Freshwater Barracuda, or Hujeta Pike Characin, is an elongated, torpedo-shaped ambush predator. It primarily inhabits the upper water levels. Though peaceful with fish too large to swallow, it is a highly efficient piscivore and will readily consume smaller tank mates like Tetras or Guppies. Known to be skittish and prone to fatal jumping, a tight-fitting lid is strictly required.
Silver Hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
A uniquely shaped characin with a deep, keeled belly adapted for surface dwelling. Known as 'flying fish', they possess powerful pectoral fins used to leap from the water to catch insects or escape predators. A tight-fitting lid with absolutely no gaps is mandatory. They are peaceful schooling fish that require open surface swimming space and floating plants to feel secure.