Myleus schomburgki, commonly known as the Black-Barred Myleus, is a Silver Dollar-like Characin from Brazil. The fish has a disc-shaped silver body with one dark band down its side, hence its common name. The gill plate and surrounding scales have a rust red color to them, while the fins are tinted black.

Tank Setup

The species should be kept in groups of five or more. This, coupled with their large size, makes them suitable for large aquariums only. They are relatively peaceful, however are not suited to community aquariums because, along with their size, they have a taste for plants. Tough, hardy plants or plastic plants should be supplied to the fish along with some bogwood roots. Use a sandy substrate.

Feeding

M. schomburgki is omnivorous and should be fed a balanced diet of vegetable matter and small live foods. Chopped spinach, grapes, beef heart and mosquito larvae are among the fish's favorite foods. The mouth is small in relation to the body so finely-chopped foods are appreciated.

Water Chemistry

Keep the water soft with a pH between 6.4-7.0 and temperature between 74-82 degrees F. Frequent water changes should be carried out.

Breeding

Breeding information on this species is limited. It is known that the males of the species have more brilliant fins than those of the females.