Black Bar Silver Dollar (Myleus schomburgkii)
The round shape and silver color of the Black Bar Silver Dollar resemble a U.S. silver dollar coin, with a prominent vertical black stripe across its body.
Reaching a mature size of about 5 inches, this freshwater fish thrives in a minimum 50-gallon tank.
Peaceful by nature, it can coexist in community tanks with other fish and invertebrates that are too large for it to eat. However, it has strong jaws and can bite, so caution is advised when handling.
As a lively schooling fish, it performs best in groups of five or more.
To mimic its natural environment and reduce stress, include rocks, plants, and driftwood in the aquarium. Note that Black Bar Silver Dollars are known plant nibblers and may damage live plants if not properly managed.
| Key Features |
|---|
| Species: Myleus schomburgkii |
| Mature Size: 5 inches |
| Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons |
| Best Group Size: 5 or more |
| Behavior: Peaceful, active, schooling |
| Feeding: Omnivorous, plant nibbler |
FAQ
What is the ideal group size for Black Bar Silver Dollars?
Black Bar Silver Dollars are best kept in groups of five or more to ensure natural behavior and reduce stress.
Can they be kept with other fish?
Yes, they can coexist with other fish and invertebrates that are too large for them to eat. Avoid keeping with small or delicate species due to their strong jaws.
Do they damage plants?
Yes, they are known plant nibblers and may damage live plants if not properly managed. Provide plenty of driftwood, rocks, and plant-based decor to help reduce this behavior.
Andrea Glover –
My Black Bar Silver Dollars have been in the tank for three months and are very active. They swim in tight groups and seem happy with the plants and driftwood. I had to add more plant coverage, but they don’t eat the leaves completely. A good addition to a community tank.
Madeleine Grant –
They are lively and peaceful. I kept them with tetras and corydoras. The black stripe is very noticeable. I noticed they nibble on the back of floating plants, so I now use more robust plant species.
Sean Pullman –
The fish are easy to care for and very social. I started with five and they’ve grown more active over time. The tank looks vibrant with them swimming in the background. I recommend keeping them in a group.