Myloplus schomburgkii
Black-barred Myleus
Formerly Myleus schomburgkii
Last revised 2026Edit this page
On this page10 sections
Quick factsEdit
Difficulty5 of 8 measures
- Space
- large tank
- Water
- needs a steady pH
- Temp
- needs a steady temperature
- Diet
- unknown
- Temperament
- eats smaller fish
- Social
- needs to be in a group
- Compatibility
- unknown
Other demands
Each of these can raise the rating on its own, whatever the measures above say.
- Hardiness
- unknown
Before you buy
Needs a tight-fitting lid as this species is known to jump
A tight-fitting lid is a good idea as these fish move extremely quickly when startled and may launch themselves out of the tank.
The black-barred myleus, Myleus schomburgkii, is a close relative of the redhook from parts of Venezuela, Peru and Brazil. The black vertical bar on the flanks distinguishes it, and it is a smaller adult fish, though it is sometimes offered for sale as a redhook. Also called the black-ear pacu and disc pacu, it should be kept in groups of at least five, and a tight-fitting lid is a good idea as it moves extremely quickly when startled.
Distribution
EditNortheastern South America, in parts of Venezuela, Peru and Brazil. It occurs in a number of river basins, including the Rio Nanay and Rio Orinoco.
Aquarium size
Write a noteEdit120 ∗ 38 ∗ 38 cm48 ∗ 15 ∗ 15 in - ~173 litres~46 US gal
Maintenance
Write a noteEditHardy plants should be chosen but will still need to be replaced regularly. Artificial plants could be used as an alternative as some of the fabric and silk-type plants that are now available make convincing fakes. Dim lighting and areas of refuge will boost their confidence. A tight-fitting lid is a good idea as these fish move extremely quickly when startled and may launch themselves out of the tank.
Water conditions
EditTemperature: 23 – 27 °C73 – 81 °F
pH: 6.0 - 7.0
Hardness: Up to 10°H
These recommendations come from this profile’s own figures. They contain affiliate links, so we may earn a commission.
Diet
Write a noteEditMainly herbivorous. Provide a large amount of vegetable matter in the diet, including; courgette, cucumber, peas, spring greens and other green vegetables. Commercial foods such as algae wafers, spirulina and vegetable flake are also recommended. Silver dollars will also accept the majority of aquarium foods and will relish such treats as bloodworm and brineshrimp.
Behaviour and compatibility
Write a noteEditBest kept in groups of at least five fish. Generally peaceful community fish and can be kept with other larger peaceful species. Much smaller fish may be eaten. Myleus mainly occupy the middle and top areas of the aquarium, so it is a good idea to select tankmates that occupy both the bottom of the tank to add contrast. Larger peaceful catfish such as plecos and doradids would be a good choice.
Sexual dimorphism
Write a noteEditMales have more pointed dorsal fin.
Reproduction
Write a noteEditNo reports of breeding in the hobby.
Notes
EditSimilar in care and appearance to its close relative, the Redhook (Myloplus rubripinnis), Myleus schomburgkii is easily distinguished by the black vertical bar on the flanks. It is also a smaller adult fish. Despite this, it is sometimes offered for sale marked as a Redhook.
This fish is also variously referred to as the Black-ear Pacu, Disc Pacu and Disk Tetra.
Species images · 2
These photographs are used with each photographer's permission.
Send a photographHow the name has changed
Moved from Myleus schomburgkii to Myloplus schomburgkii.
1915The Serrasalminae and Mylinae.
Distribution
Profile completeness20 of 24
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