Pinktail Chalceus (Chalceus macrolepidotus)

The long, sleek Pinktail Chalceus is an active, mid-to-top swimming predator with great eye-appeal and personality. In addition to its bright pink tail, Chalceus macrolepidotus boasts rather large silver iridescent scales on its upper body gradually getting smaller as they descend down the belly. There is a dark spot near the gill cover, and fins range from a dark red to a pale orange or yellow. The upper part of the iris is also orange to yellow.

In the wild, the Pinktail Chalceus are found in highly-oxygenated rivers in South America. They are known to leap from the water to catch insects, so an aquarium with a tight-fitting lid is essential to keep this escape artist in healthy captivity. The Pinktail Chalceus can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, but thrive best as individuals in 55 gallon or larger aggressive aquariums with excellent filtration and water movement.

The Pinktail Chalceus will take all types of live food as well as frozen, flakes, and pellets.