Chalceus macrolepidotus

[davo]

does any one have this fish. i think they are really good looking. i know they are jumpers, and live in highly oxygenated and clean water, and they get to about 25cm. also they are a bit like ps in that a few usually becomes one so you have to keep them together, but this is usually impossible because they are constant swimmers and very quick so would need lots of room. also its an idea to keep the back and sides planted so they dont smash into the sides as they can be a bit skittish. i like the look of them though, just wondered if anyone had this fish, or has it, and has any more info or tips on them?

 

[guppy]

Just that they are omnivores that sometimes shred plants and can't be trusted with small fish, they also nip fins on gouramis and angels.

 

[vanimate]

I bought 3 of these fish. I kept them together when smaller about 2.5 inches or so, but as they got bigger they did not get along. One was eaten by a jardini and the other two are now separated.

Yes they are a little bit jumpy, mine seemed to have settled down though. They pretty much inhabit the top of the water column. I wouldnt say they are constant swimmers though.These guys pretty much eat anything from flake to pellets to krill and MP.

I like this characin alot and the pink color is amazing. Ill try to get a good pic and post it up. My rating is a

 

[davo]

cheers. what do you keep them with tankmate wise?

 

[vanimate]

Hi davo, ok heres the only decent shot i could get.
One is in a tank of dats , myleus and a prochilodus.
The other is in a tank of dats and a tig.

 

[davo]

nice. do they loose the pink colour line down the scales as they age? ive seen some larger ones without them, and just colour in the fins, and the colour was still awesome and bright

 

[vanimate]

nice. do they loose the pink colour line down the scales as they age? ive seen some larger ones without them, and just colour in the fins, and the colour was still awesome and bright

They have some good sized ones at the Shedd. Some with a little pink and some with the whole stripe pink. Also some seem to also have a stripe of blue scales above the pnk ones.

 

[Primus]

I just bought a few chalceus tonight, kind of curious to see how they interact with each other. I think there are ~3 of these guys commonly found, chalceus sp. which is the one in the pic with the red spots along its side. chalceus macrolepidotus which is very similar to the one pictured but has no red spots. The ones i bought are chalceus erythrurus and look very similar to the one pictured but have yellow pelvic and anal fins, with the same red tail.

 

[davo]

interesting, thanks for that info, didnt know there were 3, guna have to look 'em up now

 

[Primus]

Here is a few pics of mine. Tried one with the flash and one without, neither of which turned out too great I think these guy will be fun though, need to figure out what else to put in this tank