Myleus schomburgkii – “Black-barred Silver Dollar” (~2–3 inches)

The Myleus schomburgkii is a stunning characin, resembling a silver dollar with a prominent black vertical bar. It’s peaceful yet active, making it an engaging centerpiece in larger aquariums.

Care Guidelines:

• Temperament: Generally peaceful; thrives when kept in schools of 5 or more to display natural, confident behavior.

• Tank Size: Needs a spacious setup. Minimum 75 gallons for a single fish, but 100 gallons or more is ideal for groups.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: Between 5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)

• Aquascape: Provide plenty of swimming space with open front areas and shaded zones using driftwood or sturdy plants. Fast-growing or robust plants are recommended, as they may nibble on delicate varieties.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is optimum; bright lighting can cause stress—offer shaded retreats.

• Diet: Omnivorous with strong herbivorous tendencies. Offer a balanced diet of high-quality pellets or flakes, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas), and occasional live or frozen treats like bloodworms or brine shrimp.

• Water Maintenance: Pristine water quality is critical. Use efficient filtration and regular 20–30% water changes.

• Behavior & Lifespan: Active schooling fish, generally peaceful. Lifespan can stretch up to 10–12 years with proper care.

• Tankmates: Best paired with other large, peaceful species such as silver dollars, plecos, or serene cichlids. Avoid smaller or fin-nipping species.