Product Details

Black Barred Metynis – Myloplus schomburgkii

Overview:

The Black Barred Metynis is an impressive large silver-dollar type characin with a bright metallic body and a bold vertical black band through the flank. Often sold as Black Barred Myleus, Black Bar Silver Dollar or Myleus schomburgkii, this is a powerful, fast-moving shoaling fish for very large aquariums. It is generally peaceful with suitably sized tank mates, but its adult size, appetite for plants and strong teeth mean it should be planned as a specialist large community or predator-tank companion rather than a standard community fish.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Black Barred Metynis
Other Names: Black Barred Myleus, Black Bar Silver Dollar, Black-band Myleus, Disk Tetra, Black-barred Disk Pacu, Blackberry Silver Dollar, Myleus schomburgkii
Scientific Name: Myloplus schomburgkii
Fish Type: Large Characin / Silver Dollar-type Fish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Myloplus schomburgkii is a South American serrasalmid related to silver dollars, pacus and piranhas. FishBase records it from the middle and lower Amazon River basin, the Nanay River, the upper Orinoco River basin, and possibly Suriname.

In nature, it inhabits tropical freshwater river systems, where related Myloplus-type fishes move through open water and flooded areas, feeding heavily on plant material, fruits, seeds and other available foods. In the aquarium, it needs spacious swimming room, clean water, good filtration and a layout that allows a group to move freely.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Black Barred Metynis have a deep, laterally compressed silver body, giving them the rounded “silver dollar” profile. The key feature is the dark vertical band through the body, although the width and intensity of the bar can vary between individual fish and related forms. Mature fish may show red, orange or darker fin tones, with males often developing stronger colour and longer finnage as they grow.

This is a large fish. FishBase lists Myloplus schomburgkii at up to 42 cm standard length, while UK aquarium trade guidance lists a maximum size of around 40 cm. Aquarium specimens may vary, but they should always be planned for as large, powerful adult characins.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to a very large, mature aquarium with a long footprint and open swimming space. It can be kept in large South American displays, robust community aquariums or large mixed systems with peaceful fish too big to be swallowed or bullied. It is not suitable for small tanks, planted aquascapes with delicate plants, nano communities or aquariums with timid fish that may be stressed by fast group movement.

Most soft-leaved aquarium plants are likely to be eaten. Use hardy décor such as large wood, smooth stones, artificial plants or very tough live plants only if you accept that grazing may occur.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 600 litres for a group of juveniles, with a tank length of at least 180 cm recommended for long-term care. Larger aquariums are strongly preferred for adult groups. This is a shoaling species, so tank size must allow both adult body size and group movement.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 23–27°C
pH: 5.0–7.0
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; softer, slightly acidic water preferred
Additional Notes: Provide powerful filtration, high oxygenation and regular large water changes. Fishkeeper recommends soft, slightly acidic water long term, with pH 5.0–7.0, hardness up to 12 dH and temperature 23–27°C. Avoid cramped, nitrate-heavy conditions, as large silver-dollar type fish produce significant waste.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Black Barred Metynis are usually peaceful for their size, but they are large, fast and powerful. Suitable tank mates include larger peaceful cichlids, big characins, larger rainbowfish, medium to large catfish, robust plecs, larger barbs and other suitably sized fish that will not be intimidated by active shoaling behaviour.

Avoid very small fish, delicate slow feeders, long-finned species, tiny catfish, shrimp and anything that could be viewed as food or stressed by constant movement. Do not keep with highly aggressive cichlids that may damage them. Best kept in a group of at least 5, with 6 or more preferred where space allows. Aqua Imports also notes that this species shows best colour and behaviour in groups of five or more.

Feeding:

Black Barred Metynis are mainly herbivorous to omnivorous and need a vegetable-rich diet. Offer spirulina flakes, algae wafers, vegetable-based pellets, quality large flakes and sinking or floating herbivore foods. Supplement with blanched courgette, spinach, peas, romaine lettuce and other suitable greens. They will also accept some frozen or protein foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp, krill or chopped prawn, but these should not dominate the diet. Seriously Fish recommends commercial algae wafers, spirulina and vegetable flake as suitable foods for this group.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is an active midwater shoaling fish that can move quickly when startled. A group will often cruise together through open water and may become nervous if kept singly or in cramped surroundings. Provide a secure lid, as large characins can jump when frightened. Dimmer lighting, background cover and a settled routine help reduce skittish behaviour.

Care Notes:

This is a large, strong fish with powerful teeth. FishBase specifically notes that Myloplus schomburgkii has powerful dentition capable of serious bites, so care should be taken when catching, moving or hand-feeding adult specimens. Keep in a group, provide a very large aquarium and expect most plants to be eaten. Use robust filtration and regular maintenance to manage waste. This species is not recommended for small community tanks or casual impulse purchases.

Recommended For:

Experienced

Availability:

Occasional / Specialist import or farmed silver-dollar type fish

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.