Common Name: Blackberry Silver Dollar

Scientific Name: Myleus Schomburgkii Sp.

Other Names: Schomburgk's Silver Dollar, Schomburgk's Myleus

The Blackberry Silver Dollar is a peaceful and active schooling fish that is popular in the aquarium hobby due to its attractive appearance and ease of care. The body of this fish is silver with a blackberry coloration, which is most intense around the dorsal fin. The fins are transparent and have a slight yellow tinge. The fish has a flat, disc-shaped body, which is typical of all silver dollars.

Habitat and Distribution:

The Blackberry Silver Dollar is native to South America, specifically the Amazon River basin. They can be found in various freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, and ponds.

Size and Lifespan:

In the wild, Blackberry Silver Dollars can grow up to 10 inches in length, but in the aquarium, they typically grow up to 6-8 inches. These fish can live up to 10 years or longer with proper care.

Diet and Behavior:

The Blackberry Silver Dollar is omnivorous and feeds on a varied diet of flake or pellet food, vegetable matter, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. In the aquarium, they will accept a wide variety of prepared and fresh foods.

These fish are active and peaceful, and they thrive in groups of six or more. They are also known for their jumping ability, so a secure lid is essential.

Breeding and Reproduction:

Blackberry Silver Dollars have been bred in captivity, but it is a challenging task. It is difficult to determine the sex of these fish, and they require specific conditions to trigger spawning.

Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:

The minimum tank size for a school of Blackberry Silver Dollars is 75 gallons, with larger tanks being even better. The water temperature should be kept between 74-82°F, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a hardness of 2-15 dGH. A powerful filter is recommended to maintain water quality, as these fish produce a lot of waste.

Ideal Tank Mates:

Blackberry Silver Dollars are peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size and temperament. They are best kept in groups of six or more.

Difficulty Level:

The Blackberry Silver Dollar is considered an easy-to-care-for fish, making them suitable for novice and experienced aquarists.

Additional Information:

The Blackberry Silver Dollar gets its name from the blackberry-like coloration on its body. These fish are often confused with other silver dollar species, but their coloration is unique. 

In the wild, Silver Dollars are often caught for food or sold in the aquarium trade. However, their populations are not considered threatened, and they are not currently listed as a species of concern by any conservation organizations.