Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Red Tailed Chalceus, also referred to as the Pink Tailed Chalceus, is an eye-catching species in the aquarium trade given its appearance, behavior and temperament. With an enormous distribution across rivers in Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Peru, Red tailed chalceus are sold typically as several inch long juveniles. They are completely silver in appearance with large scales and their caudal fin is pink to red in color. While Red tailed chalceus are natural shoaling fish in the wild, they often conflict in the home aquarium because it is difficult to provide adequate space for each individual given their large adult size. If you want to attempt to keep a group, no fewer than 6 individuals should be considered. An adult Red tailed chalceus can reach a size of approximately 10″.
Diet Requirements: Red tailed chalceus are carnivores. A diet made up of various high quality frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, mussels and prawns. Live earthworms would make for an excellent treat. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a juvenile Red tailed chalceus. Long term accomodations for an adult specimen will require upwards of 200 gallons or greater. Red tailed chalceus require a lot of space for swimming, and they can have sudden bursts of extremely fast movement. Biweekly water changes are needed to keep water parameters in good condition (Nitrates < 15 ppm). An aquarium with a Red tailed chalceus should be equipped with exceptional filtration (e.g., large power filter or canister filter), be well oxygenated and have generous water movement that can be achieved by using internal powerheads. Finally, a tight fitting lid is absolutely necessary as a Red tailed chalceus spends a lot of time near the surface of the aquarium. The aquarium does not need to be aquascaped with anything in particular to keep a Red tailed chalceus happy, as open swimming space and water quality are more important, but some branches will mimic its wild biotope. While Red tailed chalceus are relatively peaceful, their large size and activity level makes them incompatible with slow-moving and timid fish species. Red tailed chalceus will do well with other larger, active and relatively docile fish species. Avoid other surface-dwelling species as Red tailed chalceus can be territorial. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 5-18, pH 6.0-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 3” to 4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
