We received bred specimens of this beautiful large tetra – the real one, with bright yellow ventral fins. Currently the fish are 7-9 cm long.
The members of the genus Chalceus can be best compared with our native species of trout. Like these Chalceus prefer to feed on insects etc. that fall on the water surface. And the up to 20-25 cm long tetras have the most delicious flesh, even more delicious than that of trout – at least if what is written is the truth, because we do not eat our fish usually, so we have not tried…
From an aquarists point of view the following points are important. The fish need really spacious tanks to grow to a good size. They love a strong current. Here they stand – preferably under a piece of driftwood or so – near the water surface and wait for prey. One should keep them in groups, best are 10 specimens or more, because otherwise the fish can be quarrelsome against conspecifics.
Against other tankmates Chalceus are absolutely peaceful. Plants are ignored. One should keep in mind that Chalceus are excellent jumpers. So the tank must be always perfectly covered.
For our customers: the animals have code 215003 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
