红铜大鳞脂鲤 · Tucanfish

Overview

Chalceus erythrurus is a surface-oriented characid capable of sudden bursts of speed and impressive jumps. A roomy aquarium and a tightly fitting lid are essential. Confined space increases the chance of injury when the fish accelerates abruptly.

Distribution & habitat

It occurs in parts of the Amazon basin in Peru and Brazil, using the surface layers of floodplain rivers and lakes.

Aquarium setup

Prioritize swimming space over decoration. Sand, branches, and floating plants can suggest its natural surroundings without obstructing movement. Secure every opening in the cover. The minimum recommended aquarium size should be treated as a lower limit, particularly when companions are present.

Diet & feeding

Wild food consists chiefly of insects and aquatic crustaceans. Dry products are generally accepted, but a substantial part of the captive diet should remain animal-based. Suitable examples include shrimp, mussel flesh, bloodworms, and chopped earthworms.

Behaviour & compatibility

Keep one fish or a group larger than six, with enough room for the latter. Smaller groups tend to quarrel. Similarly sized characids, large loricariids, suitable long-whiskered catfishes, and compatible eartheater cichlids can be considered. Avoid additional surface residents unless the aquarium is exceptionally large.

Breeding

Successful aquarium reproduction is not established. A method resembling that of its close relative has been suggested, but remains a supposition for this species.

Notes

The tail is red or yellow rather than the pink typical of Chalceus macrolepidotus. Yellow pelvic and pectoral fins, and sometimes yellow on the body, provide further identification clues.