MYLEUS SCHOMBURGKI

Myleus schomburgkii (Blue Hook) Care Guide

The Myleus schomburgkii, commonly known as the Blue Hook or Schomburg’s Myleus, is a vibrant and peaceful species of characin native to the Amazon River basin in South America. Renowned for its striking coloration and lively behavior, the Blue Hook is a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. However, as a larger and more demanding species, it requires a specific care regimen to thrive in a home aquarium.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • As the Myleus schomburgkii can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm), a minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for a single fish. If keeping multiple individuals, consider a 100-gallon or larger tank to ensure ample space for swimming and reduce territorial disputes.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate: Opt for a fine-gravel or sand substrate, which mimics their natural environment.
  • Decor:
    • Provide driftwood, rocks, and plants to create hiding spots and reduce stress. These fish tend to appreciate areas where they can retreat, but they also need open swimming space.
    • Ensure the plants are hardy and able to withstand their occasional nibbling.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is preferred. Bright lighting can stress these fish, so it’s best to provide shaded areas using plants or decorations.
• Water Flow:
  • Myleus schomburgkii prefers a moderate water flow in the tank. Strong currents are not required, but they do appreciate oxygenated water, especially in well-filtered tanks.

Water Parameters

• Temperature:
  • The ideal temperature for Myleus schomburgkii is between 75°F and 82°F (24°C–28°C).
• pH:
  • They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
• Hardness:
  • Soft to moderately hard water (2–15 dGH) is best for this species.
• Ammonia/Nitrite:
  • Both ammonia and nitrite must be at 0 ppm.
• Water Changes:
  • Regular 20–30% water changes weekly will help maintain optimal water quality. As with most fish species, poor water quality can lead to stress and illness.

Diet

The Myleus schomburgkii is an omnivorous species but primarily feeds on plant material in the wild. However, in captivity, they will accept a wide variety of foods, including both plant and animal-based options.

• Staple Foods:
  • Offer high-quality pellets or flakes designed for omnivorous fish. Choose sinking varieties to cater to their natural foraging behavior.
• Vegetables:
  • Include blanched spinach, zucchini, peas, and cucumbers in their diet. These provide essential nutrients and fiber.
• Live or Frozen Foods:
  • They will also accept live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and krill.
• Feeding Frequency:
  • Feed once or twice a day. Provide only as much food as they can consume in 3–5 minutes, and remove uneaten food to prevent water contamination.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Myleus schomburgkii is a generally peaceful species, though they can become somewhat territorial, particularly when young. They are not aggressive towards other fish but can be skittish if startled.
  • They are schooling fish, so it is recommended to keep them in groups of at least 3 to 5 individuals. This helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.
• Activity Level:
  • These fish are active swimmers, constantly foraging for food and patrolling the middle and upper levels of the tank. They are also curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings.
• Tankmates:
  • The Blue Hook is compatible with a wide variety of fish, especially peaceful species. Suitable tankmates include:
    • Tetras, barbs, rainbowfish, catfish, and other peaceful characins.
    • Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive species, as they may become stressed or intimidated.
    • They should not be housed with overly territorial or aggressive fish, such as cichlids or large predatory species, which could harass or injure them.

Breeding

Breeding Myleus schomburgkii in captivity is rare but possible under the right conditions. Like other characins, they are egg scatterers.

1. Breeding Tank Setup:
   • Set up a breeding tank with soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5) and a temperature of 78–80°F (25–27°C).
   • Provide flat surfaces such as slate or smooth rocks for the fish to lay their eggs on.
2. Conditioning:
   • Condition the breeding pair by feeding a varied diet of live foods and vegetables to stimulate spawning.
3. Spawning:
   • The female will scatter her eggs on the substrate, usually in the early morning. Both the male and female will guard the eggs and later the fry.
   • Once hatched, the fry will be free-swimming in about 3–4 days.
4. Fry Care:
   • Feed the fry infusoria or liquid fry food initially, and once they grow larger, offer baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake foods.

Common Challenges

1. Water Quality:
   • Poor water quality can stress Myleus schomburgkii and lead to health issues such as fungal infections or skin lesions. Regular water changes and a good filtration system are crucial to maintaining water parameters.
2. Aggression in Smaller Groups:
   • While generally peaceful, they may become more aggressive or stressed if kept in too small a group. Always keep them in schools of at least 3–5 fish to reduce stress and allow them to behave naturally.
3. Feeding Variety:
   • As omnivores, Myleus schomburgkii requires a balanced diet with plenty of plant material. Ensure they are not solely fed meaty foods, as this can lead to digestive issues.
4. Space:
   • These fish need plenty of space to swim and establish territories. A cramped environment will lead to stress and aggression, especially if the fish are kept in too small a tank.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 75 gallons; 100+ gallons preferred
Water Parameters	pH 5.5–7.5, 75–82°F, soft to moderately hard water
Diet	Omnivorous: pellets, vegetables, live/frozen food
Temperament	Peaceful, active swimmer, prefers schooling
Lifespan	10–12 years

The Myleus schomburgkii (Blue Hook) is an attractive and peaceful species that can thrive in the right conditions. Its stunning coloration, active behavior, and friendly nature make it an excellent choice for hobbyists with a large aquarium. By providing them with a varied diet, spacious tank, and proper tankmates, you can enjoy the beauty and activity of these fish for many years.