Common Name: Thin Bar Silver Dollar
Scientific Name: Myleus schomburgkii
Other Names: Black Bar Silver Dollar, Schomburgk’s Silver Dollar
The Thin Bar Silver Dollar is a large and visually striking freshwater fish known for its distinctive thin, black vertical bar running along its shiny silver, disc-shaped body. This species is popular among aquarists for its active swimming behavior, peaceful temperament, and eye-catching appearance.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Thin Bar Silver Dollar is native to the river systems of South America, particularly in the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins. These fish are typically found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplains with sandy or muddy substrates and dense vegetation.
Size and Lifespan:
In both the wild and captivity, Thin Bar Silver Dollars can grow up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in length. With proper care, their lifespan can range from 10 to 12 years, depending on the quality of their diet and water conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
Thin Bar Silver Dollars are primarily herbivorous, feeding on plant matter, algae, and occasionally small invertebrates in their natural habitat. In an aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality vegetable-based pellets, spirulina, and fresh vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and peas. They may also accept flake foods and the occasional protein source like bloodworms or brine shrimp. These fish are known for their peaceful, schooling behavior and thrive best in groups of five or more, where they can display natural, active swimming patterns.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Thin Bar Silver Dollars in captivity can be challenging but is possible. They are egg scatterers, typically laying eggs among plants or other surfaces in well-planted areas of the aquarium. To encourage breeding, provide a spacious tank with plenty of aquatic plants, maintain optimal water conditions, and feed a high-quality, varied diet to promote breeding readiness. Successful breeding usually requires soft, slightly acidic water.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their size and active nature, Thin Bar Silver Dollars require a large aquarium, with a minimum of 75-100 gallons recommended for a group of adults. The tank should have a soft, sandy substrate and include plenty of plants, driftwood, and rocks to mimic their natural habitat. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintaining good water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Thin Bar Silver Dollars are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive, similarly sized fish. Suitable tank mates include larger tetras, peaceful cichlids, larger rasboras, and other medium-to-large community fish. Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species, as these could stress or injure the Silver Dollars.
Difficulty Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. Thin Bar Silver Dollars are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for aquarists with some experience. Their peaceful schooling behavior and striking appearance make them a great addition to large community tanks.
Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-6 dKH
• Ammonia: 0 ppm (ideal)
• Nitrite: 0 ppm (ideal)
• Nitrate: <20 ppm (ideal)
