
Above: a Redtail Chalceus swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture.
Comments: These are fabulous looking fish, with unique characteristics, including a long slender body for swimming fast in open water.
Origin: Redtail Chalceus are found over a wide region in northern South America and are wild fish.
But now you can find many living in aquariums all over the world.
Maximum Size: In aquariums, Redtail Chalceus can grow to be about 10" long, and sometimes larger if fed properly and the water quality is good.
Behaviors: Redtail Chalceus can be aggresive fish, they should be kept as individuals or in groups of six or more.
Compatibility: Some recommended tankmates include, Geophagus Eartheater Cichlids, Banded Leporinus and other South American Characins.
Click here to read more about compatible groups of pet fish.Click here to learn more about and shop online for premium fish foods.
Water Conditions: They are used to softer water with a low pH, but they can adapt to most types of water, and so as usual it's best not to try to change the pH or alkalinity of their water.
Click here for a lot more information about aquarium water conditions.
Aquarium Size: Redtail Chalceus will do fine in an aquarium with at least 60-gallons of water when small but will eventually need to live in an aquarium with at least 100-gallons of water.
Decor: Redtail Chalceus do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water.
Click here for more about aquarium gravel.
Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality, but Redtail Chalceus may pick at the leaves of the plants.
Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended.
Most 80-gallon aquariums have room along the back for at least two Penguin 350B Filters, and this is sort of a minimal wild fish set up.
Better is a 120, 150, or 200-gallon aquarium with as many Penguin 350B Filters as will fit across the back.
Click here to learn more about aquarium filters.
The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range.
Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums.
Life Span: Redtail Chalceus can live for several years. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they may live even longer lives.
All of our fish are Premium Quality Fish from the best suppliers in the world. Our fish have better health, more energy and brighter colors, as you can see in our pictures on this website.
We have 380-aquariums with lots-and-lots of popular aquarium fish plus lots-and-lots of rare fish!
We consider ourselves to be the link between the world's best sources of fish and the world's best customers. We love our work, and we are very responsible about caring for our fish and then shipping them carefully.
We also offer lots and lots of information about keeping and caring for pet fish, all from the knowledge of the Bailey Brothers, who have a combined total of 100+ years of experience as breeders, wholesalers, and retailers of pet fish!
Our fish and our customers are treated with the best of care, and we work energetically everyday to make sure every customer enjoys their new fishy friends.
When you purchase pet fish from us, you know you're receiving premium quality fish and premium quality service.
"Received my fish last night and was so pleased! They all arrived alive and appeared to be healthy.
"Once in the tank, they became very active and are now thriving in their new home.
"Beautiful fish, I asked for color and aquariumfish delivered. Processing and shipping was extremely quick."
Nevin and DrTom, the Bailey Brothers
This website is owned and operated by the Bailey Brothers, DrTom and Nevin, who've been together in the fish business for more than 50-years.
The Product Manager has been with the company for more than 35-years.
So we feel very confident that this is the fishiest crew anywhere.