Redhook Myleus

Redhook Myleus key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

About 25-41.5cm

Temperature

23〜27℃

Diet

Chiefly plant matter (courgette, cucumber, peas, greens, vegetable flake) with frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp

Tank

Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 180 by 38cm, about 205 litres at 30cm depth, and stresses that length and width matter more than height. Juveniles can be grown on in something smaller, but plan the setup around the adult fish. Plants will be eaten, so even hardy species need replacing regularly.

Water Temperature & Quality

Seriously Fish gives 23-27C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 0-10 dGH; FishBase gives pH 5.0-7.0, hardness to 15 dH and 23-27C. It is a big fish that eats heavily, so provide filtration and a water-change routine to match.

Tank Mates

Keep at least five together. FishBase calls it gregarious and non-aggressive, but much smaller fish may be eaten. It works the middle and upper water, so large peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish such as plecos and doradids make good company.

Diet & Feeding

In the wild it feeds chiefly on the leaves of submerged, marginal and terrestrial plants. Keep plant matter central in the aquarium too, with courgette, cucumber, peas and other greens plus spirulina and vegetable flakes. It takes most aquarium foods as well and is especially keen on bloodworm and brine shrimp.

Breeding & Spawning

Its size alone means any breeding attempt would call for substantial equipment.

Health & Notes

FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern and not on the CITES appendices, but classifies it as traumatogenic, that is capable of causing injury, so mind the teeth when handling it. The main point to weigh is size: do not choose the tank for the juvenile you buy, and remember that a fish sold as a silver dollar will grow far larger if it is this species.

About Redhook Myleus

Redhook Myleus is a large characin with a striking black-edged red anal fin. It grows larger than silver dollars, is strongly herbivorous, and needs a spacious tank, making it a fish for experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Redhook Myleus

1. 1Requires an Exceptionally Large Tank

   Adults can grow to over 40 cm, so a large aquarium with generous length and width is essential. Plan your setup around the fish's eventual adult size from the start.

2. 2Strongly Herbivorous

   This fish actively eats aquatic plants, so if you plan to include live plants in the layout, choose hardy species or expect them to be eaten.

3. 3Calmer When Kept in a Group

   When kept together in a group, this fish tends to show calmer, more settled behavior. Group keeping is generally better suited to this species than keeping a single individual.

4. 4Suited to Experienced Keepers

   Because of its large adult size and the dedicated, spacious setup it requires, this fish calls for solid aquarium-keeping experience and knowledge.

5. 5Maintain Stable Water Quality

   As a large fish that eats a substantial amount, it needs strong filtration and regular water changes to keep water quality stable.

6. 6Choose Tankmates Carefully

   Pairing it with much smaller fish can lead to food competition or accidental ingestion, so consider tankmates of a similar size.

7. 7Prepare Equipment Before Bringing One Home

   Set up a tank, filtration, and plant-protection plan sized for the fish's future growth before bringing one home, to avoid outgrowing your equipment later.

Frequently asked questions about Redhook Myleus

Q.How large does the Redhook Myleus grow?

A.Adults typically reach about 25 to 41.5 cm. Since it grows larger than many keepers expect, it's best to prepare a sufficiently large tank from the start.

Q.Is this fish suitable for beginners?

A.The Redhook Myleus is generally considered a fish for experienced keepers. Its large adult size and the need for a dedicated, spacious tank make it better suited to hobbyists with prior experience.

Q.Can it be kept with live aquatic plants?

A.It is strongly herbivorous and will readily eat aquatic plants. If you want to include plants in the layout, plan around the likelihood that they'll be eaten.

Q.Can it be kept with other fish?

A.It is a shoaling species and can generally be kept with fish of similar size. However, it's best to avoid pairing it with much smaller fish due to the size difference.

Q.Is the Redhook Myleus subject to CITES regulation?

A.The Redhook Myleus is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Redhook Myleus care

Learn more about Redhook Myleus in the encyclopedia

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