大鳞脂鲤 · Pink-tailed Chalceus

Overview

Chalceus macrolepidotus is a pink-tailed, large-scaled characid associated with the upper water layers. It can accelerate sharply and jump. Newly imported fish sometimes arrive in delicate condition because their prominent scales are easily lost during transport.

Distribution & habitat

Its northern South American range includes Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Peru. It is usually found near the surface of well-oxygenated rivers.

Aquarium setup

Leave a broad, unobstructed swimming area. Sand and a few branches provide sufficient structure, while floating vegetation helps reduce skittishness. Some circulation is beneficial. Fit the cover tightly and avoid cramped layouts where sudden bursts of speed could cause injury.

Diet & feeding

Insects and aquatic crustaceans dominate the natural diet. Dry foods are generally accepted, but frequent animal-based meals remain appropriate: shrimp, mussel flesh, bloodworms, and chopped earthworms are examples. Much smaller fishes are also prey.

Behaviour & compatibility

Maintain a single specimen or more than six together. Intermediate group sizes tend to produce persistent disputes. Comparable characids, large loricariids, suitable catfishes, and eartheater cichlids are potential companions. Mature fish can defend space, so avoid other surface residents unless the aquarium is exceptionally roomy. Tiny fishes are unsafe.

Breeding

Aquarium spawning has occurred, though few practical details are available. A very large aquarium is required. Up to roughly two thousand eggs may be scattered through vegetation. The young are reportedly large enough to take newly hatched brine shrimp once their yolk is absorbed.

Notes

Careful acclimation is important for freshly transported fish with scale loss. Settled individuals generally become hardy. Lifespans beyond fifteen years have been reported in well-maintained aquariums, but should not be treated as a guarantee.