Chalceus is a genus of fish that inhabits freshwater habitats in South America.

[4] Chalceus was previously classified as a member of the family Characidae, and is still listed there by some authorities (like GBIF and ITIS).

[5] However, recent phylogenetic and morphological analysis has prompted a move into the family Chalceidae, which is currently home only to the genus Chalceus (making it monotypic).

[11] A full redescription of the genus occurred in the year 2004, undertaken by Brazilian biologists Angela M. Zanata and Mônica Toledo-Piza, which resulted in the nomination of the other three species.

[12] The name Chalceus is Greek in origin and comes from the word chalkos, which means copper.