Our Guide To Keeping Blackberry Silver Dollar Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Myleus schomburkii (Blackberry variant)
   • Common name: Blackberry Silver Dollar
   • Family: Serrasalmidae
   • Origin: Amazon and Orinoco River Basins, South America
   • Adult length: 15 to 20 cm
   • Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
   • Diet: Omnivore (primarily herbivorous)
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful to mildly skittish

2. Tank Setup:

   • Provide a large tank (minimum 300L) with open swimming space and secure lid, as they are powerful swimmers and jumpers.
   • Use driftwood, river rocks, and hardy plants. Be aware they may nibble soft-leaved plants.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
   • Maintain water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Require strong and efficient filtration due to their size and bioload.
   • Moderate water movement is ideal to mimic their natural river habitat.

5. Diet:

   • Feed a mix of vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes, algae wafers, blanched greens, and peas.
   • Occasionally offer high-protein supplements like bloodworms or shrimp pellets.

6. Tank mates:

   • Best kept in groups of 5 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.
   • Compatible with peaceful to semi-aggressive species like angelfish, large tetras, Severums, and peaceful cichlids.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Blackberry Silver Dollars are active, fast-swimming fish that can be startled easily.
   • Generally peaceful but may dominate feeding time; avoid housing with shy or slow feeders.