Pink Tail Chalceus
The Pink Tail Chalceus is a slender silver fish with large scales and a faint irridescent sheen. The fins range from orangeish to pink to deep red. It is a very active predator that generally dwells at the surface of the water. Though it only gets about 10 inches in length, an aquarium at least 75 gallons is required to accomodate its high activity levels. In nature, this fish feeds on worms, insects, larvae, and small fish. In the home aquarium it will accept most meaty foods and live items that it is offered. This fish is peaceful with any fish that is too large for it to eat. Thus it makes a good addition to most community aquariums containing other large species. The Pink Tail Chalceus is a schooling species in its native environment, but will become aggressive with its own kind unless kept in large schools containing at least 6 to 8 fish in a very large aquarium. Therefore it is most successfully kept singly if the aquarium is smaller than 100 gallons. Provide a tight-fitting cover as it is prone to jumping.