As of 2026, the adult Black Bar Silver Dollar (Myleus schomburgkii) is a popular large characin known for its distinctive appearance and schooling behavior.
Appearance and Size
Physical Features: Adults possess a round, disc-shaped silver body with a prominent vertical black bar running through the middle. They often develop iridescent blue highlights and deep red coloration on their fins.
Adult Size: Mature specimens typically reach 5 to 8 inches (13–20 cm) in home aquariums. Some reports from wild or very large habitats suggest they can grow larger, with maximum sizes recorded up to 15–16 inches (40 cm) in rare instances.
Sexual Dimorphism: Adult males can be identified by a bilobed anal fin and extended rays on the dorsal fin.
Care and Behavior
Tank Requirements: Due to their size and active schooling nature, a minimum tank size of 75 to 90 gallons is recommended for a group of five or more.
Diet: They are primarily herbivorous and notorious for eating live aquarium plants. Their diet should include vegetable flakes, spirulina, and fresh greens like lettuce or blanched zucchini, supplemented with occasional meaty treats like bloodworms.
Temperament: They are peaceful but timid schooling fish that should be kept in groups. They are known jumpers, so a secure aquarium lid is essential.
Life Expectancy: With proper care, they can live for approximately 10 years.
SKU: RBM
