Myleus schomburgkii

Black-barred Myleus

Classification

Characidae. Subfamily: Serrasalminae

Distribution

Northeastern South America, in parts of Venezuela, Peru and Brazil. It occurs in a number of river basins, including the Rio Nanay and Rio Orinoco.

Habitat

Northeastern South America, in parts of Venezuela, Peru and Brazil. It occurs in a number of river basins, including the Rio Nanay and Rio Orinoco.

Maximum Standard Length

4.5″ (12cm)

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

48″ x 15″ x 15″ (120cm x 37.5cm x 37.5cm) – 175 litres

Maintenance

Hardy plants should be chosen but will still need to be replaced regularly. Artificial plants could be used as an alternative as some of the fabric and silk-type plants that are now available make convincing fakes. Dim lighting and areas of refuge will boost their confidence. A tight-fitting lid is a good idea as these fish move extremely quickly when startled and may launch themselves out of the tank.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 73-81°F (23-27°C)

pH: 6.0 – 7.0

Hardness: Up to 10°H

Diet

Mainly herbivorous. Provide a large amount of vegetable matter in the diet, including; courgette, cucumber, peas, spring greens and other green vegetables. Commercial foods such as algae wafers, spirulina and vegetable flake are also recommended. Silver dollars will also accept the majority of aquarium foods and will relish such treats as bloodworm and brineshrimp.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Best kept in groups of at least five fish. Generally peaceful community fish and can be kept with other larger peaceful species. Much smaller fish may be eaten. Myleus mainly occupy the middle and top areas of the aquarium, so it is a good idea to select tankmates that occupy both the bottom of the tank to add contrast. Larger peaceful catfish such as plecos and doradids would be a good choice.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males have more pointed dorsal fin.

Reproduction

No reports of breeding in the hobby.

NotesTop ↑

Similar in care and appearance to its close relative, the Redhook (myloplus rubripinnis), myleus schomburgkii is easily distinguished by the black vertical bar on the flanks. It is also a smaller adult fish. Despite this, it is sometimes offered for sale marked as a Redhook.

This fish is also variously referred to as the Black-ear Pacu, Disc Pacu and Disk Tetra.