The pinktail chalceus is a small, light-colored freshwater fish with a tail that is usually dark red to pink and is much more intensely colored than the rest of the animal.

It has large, noticeable scales and reaches 24.5 cm SL, making it the largest known member of Chalceus.

[11][12] Since then, several additions and retractions have occurred, as well as a redescription of the genus in the year 2004, and there are now five accepted species in total, C. macrolepidotus included.

[18] Its diet generally consists of small invertebrates;[2] when searching for food, it may leap out of the water to target a bug above the surface.

[17] Aquarists with adequate space to keep pinktails are advised to have a shoal larger than 6 to 8 specimens; anything lower, and squabbling is likely to happen.

[7][22] Because they are a fast and active species, the tank they live in doesn't need extraneous decor, but offering cover for them to hide in may make them more relaxed.