Wide Bar Silver Dollar ( Myleus Schomburgkii )

Myleus schomburgkii (commonly known as the black-barred silver dollar) is a species of freshwater fish in the Serrasalmidae family, closely related to pacus and piranhas. It is a popular fish in the aquarium trade due to its striking appearance and active nature.

Basic Information:

• Scientific Name: Myleus schomburgkii

• Common Names: Black-barred silver dollar, Schomburgk’s silver dollar

• Family: Serrasalmidae

• Origin: Native to South America, specifically the Amazon and Orinoco River basins.

Appearance:

• Disc-shaped, laterally compressed body resembling a silver dollar, but larger.

• A distinct thick black vertical band runs across its body, sometimes accompanied by red or yellow hues near the fins.

• Some variations (such as Myleus schomburgkii ‘highback’) have a more pronounced dorsal hump.

Size:

• Can grow up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in captivity, larger in the wild.

Behavior & Temperament:

• Schooling fish – prefers to be in groups of at least 5 or more.

• Generally peaceful, but may become fin-nippy if kept with slow-moving, long-finned fish.

• Active swimmers that need a large open space in the aquarium.

Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons for a small group, larger is better.

• Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)

• pH: 5.5-7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Filtration: Strong filtration and regular water changes are needed due to their high waste production.

• Aquascape: Best kept in a planted or semi-planted tank with driftwood and hiding spots, though they may nibble on softer plants.

Diet:

• Omnivorous, but leans heavily towards herbivory.

• Eats:

• Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, zucchini, peas.

• Fruits: Apples, bananas.

• Pellets & Flakes: High-quality veggie-based foods.

• Occasional Protein: Bloodworms, shrimp, or insects in moderation.

Tank Mates:

• Best with other peaceful or semi-aggressive fish of similar size.

• Good tank mates:

• Larger tetras (e.g., Congo tetras)

• Other Silver Dollars

• Severums

• Geophagus species

• Arowanas (if tank size permits)

• Larger catfish (e.g., Plecos, Doradids)

• Avoid small fish (they may be eaten) and overly aggressive species like large cichlids.

Breeding:

• Rarely bred in home aquariums due to their large size and space requirements.

• Egg scatterers that require very specific water conditions to spawn.

Interesting Facts:

• Often mistaken for Metynnis species, which are smaller and more commonly sold as silver dollars.

• In the wild, they help disperse seeds by consuming fruits and plants.

• Fast swimmers that may jump if startled—tight-fitting lids are recommended.