Myleus schomburgkii ( Disc Tetra ) 2.5″-3.5″

Myleus schomburgkii, commonly known as the Disc Tetra or Black-barred Silver Dollar, is a striking and active fish from the Serrasalmidae family, native to the freshwater rivers and tributaries of South America, particularly the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Known for their distinctive shape and bold black bar running vertically along their body, Disc Tetras are popular in large aquariums for their schooling behavior and impressive size.

• Size: Disc Tetras can grow to a considerable size, reaching up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length, though they are more commonly found around 20 cm (8 inches) in captivity.
• Coloration: The body is primarily silver, but their most distinctive feature is the thick black vertical bar that runs from the dorsal fin down to the belly. This bar can fade or intensify depending on the fish’s mood or health. Some specimens may have slight red or orange tints on their fins, adding to their appeal.
• Body Shape: True to their name, they have a deep, laterally compressed, disc-like body shape, similar to other Silver Dollars. Their body is almost perfectly round when viewed from the side.

• Temperament: Myleus schomburgkii is a peaceful, schooling species that does best when kept in groups of 5 or more. They can be somewhat skittish if kept alone or in too small a group, so it’s important to provide them with the security of a school.
• Activity: They are very active swimmers, often moving about the middle and upper levels of the tank. Disc Tetras are peaceful and get along well with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish.
• Dietary Needs: In the wild, they are primarily herbivores but will also consume small invertebrates and detritus.

• Tank Size: Due to their size and active nature, a tank of 125 gallons or more is recommended for a small group. They require ample swimming space and feel more comfortable in larger aquariums.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
  • pH: 5.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand is ideal, though they do not interact with the substrate much, preferring open swimming areas.
• Décor: The tank should have a combination of open swimming spaces and areas with hiding places, using driftwood, rocks, and sturdy plants. Floating plants can help provide shaded areas, which they appreciate, as they come from environments with dappled light.
• Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary, as these fish produce a fair amount of waste due to their large size and schooling nature. Ensure the water is well-oxygenated with moderate flow.

In captivity, Disc Tetras are primarily herbivorous, but they will readily accept a variety of foods.

• Staple Foods: High-quality spirulina-based flakes or pellets should form the base of their diet.
• Vegetables: Offer blanched vegetables like spinach, lettuce, cucumber, or zucchini. These are essential to replicate their natural plant-based diet.
• Supplemental Foods: Occasionally, they can be fed protein-rich foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia, but plant-based foods should dominate their diet.
• Algae Wafers: They also enjoy algae wafers and other plant-based sinking foods.

Breeding Myleus schomburgkii in captivity is rare and not well-documented. However, in the wild, they are known to breed during the rainy season when water levels rise, offering more space and resources for fry.

• Spawning Behavior: If breeding is to occur, they would likely scatter their eggs among plants or other submerged structures, and the eggs would hatch within a few days.
• Fry Care: Fry would need to be raised on finely crushed plant-based foods and newly hatched brine shrimp.

• Tankmates: Disc Tetras are generally peaceful and do well with other large, peaceful fish. Ideal tankmates include larger tetras, peaceful cichlids like Angelfish or Uaru, and bottom-dwellers like Corydoras or Plecos. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive species or small fish that might be seen as food.
• Schooling Behavior: Since they are naturally schooling fish, it’s important to keep them in groups. If kept alone, they may become stressed and display erratic behavior.
• Water Quality: Like many fish from the Amazon, they prefer clean, soft water. Regular water changes and strong filtration are necessary to maintain optimal health.

Myleus schomburgkii is a beautiful, peaceful addition to large community tanks, especially those focused on South American biotopes. Their impressive size, schooling behavior, and unique appearance make them a rewarding species for aquarists who can provide the space and care they need.