Pink-tailed Chalceus

Geographical Origin:

Widely distributed in the northern river systems of South America. It prefers flooded forests and small streams covered by overhanging branches from which ants and spiders fall.

Morphology:

The elongated body resembles that of a mullet or pike, with the mouth pointing upwards. The name *macrolepidotus* (large scales) refers to the unusual and giant silvery cycloid scales that give it a prehistoric and armored appearance. The intense pink/red coloration of the tail probably serves as a visual recognition signal in the school in turbid waters.

Tank Setup (Upper Zone):

A 150 cm (5-foot) long aquarium is mandatory. This fish uses the top of the tank as a racetrack. It does not like strong surface currents caused by filter jets: it prefers the dead calm zones typical of river edges, where it can scan the surface for insects. A heavy polycarbonate or thick glass lid without gaps is MANDATORY: the power of their caudal muscles can throw them over 1 meter out of the water if frightened.

Dietary Challenge (Floating Food):

They are surface hunters programmed to look up. They will often ignore expensive foods that fall to mid-water. To feed them, you must provide huge flakes, large extruded floating sticks, or dried/frozen insects (crickets and mealworms) that remain on the surface tension for several minutes.

Intraspecific Aggression (The Numbers Problem):

The number one mistake with *Chalceus* is buying two. In small numbers, one will establish dominance, chasing the subordinate until it jumps out of the tank or dies of exhaustion. They must be kept either strictly alone as a "show-piece" fish, or in large groups of 6-8 specimens, where aggression is dispersed.