XL Black Bar Silver Dollar (6”)

Scientific Name: Myleus schomburgkii

Maximum Size & Lifespan:

• Maximum Size: Up to (16 inches) in the wild; usually 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) in captivity.

• Lifespan: Typically 12+ years with optimal care.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes & Care:

• Tank Size: Minimum of 180 gallons (680 liters) for adults or a group of 5-6. Juveniles can be raised in smaller tanks, but they grow quickly. This fish is known to be very shy if kept in small groups 3 or less. We recommend keeping agt least 5-6 for them to feel secure.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

  • pH: 5.5–7.5

• Water Changes: Perform 30–50% weekly water changes to keep water clean and low in nitrates.

• Filtration: Powerful external filter or sump is recommended to handle bioload and maintain water movement.

• Tank Setup:

  • Provide plenty of open swimming space.

  • Decorate with driftwood, smooth rocks, and tough-leaved or artificial plants (they often eat or damage live plants).

  • Use a tight-fitting lid — they are prone to jumping.

  • Moderate lighting is best to mimic natural dim environments.

Diet:

• Feeding Type: Omnivore with a preference for plant-based foods.

• Primary Foods:

  • Sinking Carnivore or Xtreme Nice pellets when small

  • Vegetables: spinach, lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, peas

  • Algae wafers, spirulina flakes

• Occasional Protein:

  • Bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill (in moderation)

  • Quality omnivore pellets

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small, manageable portions. 

Overview:

Myleus schomburgkii is a large, deep-bodied schooling fish known for the striking vertical black bar that runs through the middle of its body, sometimes giving rise to the name "Black Bar Silver Dollar" or "Disk Tetra."

it’s best kept with similar-sized tankmates due to its size and fast movements. A well-maintained school helps reduce stress and enhances natural behavior. This species is fast-swimming, highly active, and thrives in large, open tanks with room to roam.

We recommend larger cichlids, catfish, Datnoids, Arowana, Parrots, etc.

Natural Habitat:

• Region: Widely distributed across the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins in South America.

• Environment: Inhabits floodplains, backwaters, and slow-flowing tributaries.

• Often found in vegetation-dense zones, where it grazes on plant material, algae, and fallen fruits.

Breeding:

• Difficulty: Rarely bred in home aquariums due to size and behavioral requirements.

• Conditions for Breeding:

  • Soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5)

  • Elevated temperatures around 28–30°C (82–86°F)

  • Diet enriched with live/frozen foods to condition adults

  • Large tank or spawning pool with fine-leaved plants or mops

• Spawning Behavior:

  • Eggs are scattered and fertilized externally.

  • Parents do not care for eggs or fry.

• Hatching: Eggs hatch in 2–3 days, with fry free-swimming shortly afterward.

• Fry Diet: Initially infusoria, followed by baby brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes.

Note: Most captive specimens are wild-caught or sourced from commercial breeding operations in large-scale facilities.