Fin's Fish Guide
The Redhook myleus (Myloplus rhomboidalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Serrasalmidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America (the Amazon and Guiana region), in clear, forested rivers and creeks.
Description
The redhook myleus is a large, deep and strongly compressed, rhombus-shaped characin of the family Serrasalmidae reaching about 40 cm; the group is also called 'silver dollar'. The silvery body has a strikingly red, sickle-shaped anal fin. Unlike the related piranhas this is a peaceful plant-eater: it lives on water plants, leaves, fruit and seeds, supplemented with insects, and helps disperse seeds in flooded forest. The species comes from clear, forested rivers and creeks of the Amazon and Guianas region and swims in schools. With its size it is locally a food fish, and young animals, with their coin shape and red fin, are popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Redhook myleus?
The Redhook myleus is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, deep-bodied, strongly laterally flattened, diamond-shaped characin with a red anal fin; a peaceful plant eater, not a piranha.
Where does the Redhook myleus live?
The Redhook myleus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of northern South America (the Amazon and Guiana region), in clear, forested rivers and creeks.
How big does the Redhook myleus get?
The Redhook myleus grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Redhook myleus dangerous to humans?
No, the Redhook myleus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Redhook myleus edible?
Yes, the Redhook myleus is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Myloplus
More from the family Serrasalmidae
Want the complete picture on the Redhook myleus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Redhook myleus is one of 12,519 species in the app.