Chalceus - Tucanfishes
Description
Chalceus is a genus of fish that inhabits freshwater habitats in South America. Members can be found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, as well as in the Guianas and various tributaries of the former. It is the sole representative of the family Chalceidae.
Members of the genus Chalceus typically reach a length of 15–25 cm (6–10 in), but are up to about 30 cm (12 in). They have an elongated shape, and relatively large scales. Their fins are a variety of colors, most commonly red, yellow, or hyaline, with a red or pink tail being the most common.
Currently, there are five accepted species in the genus Chalceus:
- Chalceus epakros Zanata & Toledo-Piza, 2004
- Chalceus erythrurus Cope, 1870 (tucan fish)
- Chalceus guaporensis Zanata & Toledo-Piza, 2004
- Chalceus macrolepidotus G. Cuvier, 1818 (pinktail chalceus)
- Chalceus spilogyros Zanata & Toledo-Piza, 2004
