Schreitmuller’s metynnis is a beautiful and unique freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon basin.
This fish is not commonly seen in the aquarium trade, but it is becoming more popular among hobbyists.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about Schreitmuller’s metynnis care. You’ll learn about their diet, size, lifespan, and more!
Table of contents
Species overview
Schreitmuller’s metynnis (Metynnis schreitmuelleri) is a freshwater fish that is found in the Amazon Basin of South America.
They are schooling fish that prefer to live in slow-moving waters with a lot of vegetation. This is something that is relatively common among many fish that come from the Amazon.
The Schreitmuller’s metynnis is a peaceful fish that is compatible with a wide variety of tank mates. They are not known to be aggressive toward other fish and will generally get along well with other peaceful community fish.
One of the most notable things about this fish is its unique coloration. They have a silver body with black stripes running down the length of their sides. This makes them a very popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts.
Appearance
Schreitmuller’s metynnis is a freshwater fish that is silver in coloration. They have a long and thin body shape that is common among many species of fish.
The fins on this fish are all relatively the same size. The dorsal fin starts just behind the head and extends back about two-thirds of the way down the body. The anal fin is in the same general area and has a similar shape.
The caudal fin is forked and symmetrical. The pectoral fins are small and positioned low on the body.
This fish has a dark stripe that runs along their body from the snout to the caudal peduncle. This stripe is bordered by a thin line of silver.
Lifespan
Schreitmuller’s metynnis usually only live for around 3 years in captivity. However, there are a number of things that can impact this.
For example, if they’re kept in subpar water conditions then their lifespan will be significantly shorter. Proper care and husbandry is key to keeping these fish healthy and happy.
Size
Schreitmuller’s metynnis can grow to be up to 4 inches in length. These fish are known to be a little on the smaller side, which is good news if you’re looking for a smaller aquarium fish.
Tank
Tank Size
The recommended tank size for Schreitmuller’s metynnis is at least 55 gallons. This fish can grow to be quite large (up to 18 inches in length) so it’s important to give them the room they need to swim and stay healthy.
This fish is also quite active and needs a lot of space to explore and play. If you have the room, we recommend going even larger than the minimum tank size to give them the best possible environment.
Water Parameters
Schreitmuller’s metynnis (Metynnis schreitmuelleri) is a freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon basin in South America.
This fish prefers water that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0-7.0. The water should also be soft with a hardness of 2-12 dGH.
The ideal temperature range for this fish is 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
What To Put In Their Tank
Schreitmuller’s Metynnis are peaceful fish that do well in a community tank. They are not fussy when it comes to tank mates and can be kept with a wide variety of different fish.
When it comes to setting up their tank, you have a lot of options. These fish are not picky when it comes to substrate, plants, or decorations.
We recommend a gravel substrate with some plants and driftwood. These fish like to have some hiding spots, so the more the better.
You can also add in some rocks to their tank. Just make sure that they are smooth and not too sharp. These fish are not aggressive and can be easily injured by sharper objects.
Common Diseases
Schreitmuller’s metynnis are a hardy fish species that isn’t too susceptible to disease. However, like all fish, they can still fall ill if the water quality in their tank is poor or if they are stressed.
The most common disease that these fish experience is ich. This is a parasites that affects freshwater fish and can be quite serious if it’s not treated.
The most obvious symptom of ich is the presence of white spots on the body, fins, and gills of your fish. If you notice this, it’s important to act fast and begin treatment immediately.
There are plenty of other potential diseases that can affect this species as well, but they’re not as common.
Another thing to look out for is infection from cuts. The most common cause of this is keeping your Schreitmuller’s metynnis in a tank with a rough substrate (or aggressive species that want to fight).
In general, the best way to prevent these fish from getting sick is to maintain the quality of the water in their tank. A tank with clean and stable water conditions always leads to healthier fish who are more resistant to disease.
Behavior & Temperament
Schreitmuller’s metynnis is a schooling fish, so it does best when it’s kept in groups. In the wild, these fish live in large schools of hundreds of fish. So, it’s important to try and recreate that type of environment in your aquarium.
When they’re in a school, they’re very active and love to swim around. They’re also more likely to show their personality and be out in the open. If you don’t have a large enough tank or enough fish, they can be shy and stick to hiding places.
These fish are peaceful and get along with other fish that are similar in size. They’re not aggressive, but they can be nippy. So, it’s best to avoid keeping them with fish that have long fins or are slow-moving.
Tank Mates
Schreitmuller’s metynnis are peaceful fish that do well in a community tank. They’re not aggressive and will get along with most other species.
These fish are also relatively small, so they won’t outcompete their tank mates for food.
To create a well-rounded community tank, you should consider adding the following species:
- Neon Tetra
- Cardinal Tetra
- Guppy
- Platy
- Swordtail
- Mollies
- Endler’s Livebearers
- Danios
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Breeding
Schreitmuller’s metynnis is a beautiful schooling fish that is easy to breed in captivity. This species is not picky when it comes to spawning sites. They will lay their eggs on just about any flat surface.
To trigger spawning, start by setting up a separate breeding tank. It should be at least 30 gallons and contain plenty of hiding places. Driftwood, caves, and plants all work well.
Then, adjust the water temperature to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a heater to maintain that temperature.
When ready, add two females for every male. Remember: Males are the larger fish with more pronounced fins.
Feed the fish plenty of high-quality foods. Then, begin changing about 50 percent of the water. That should trigger spawning.
Schreitmuller’s metynnis are prolific breeders. A single female can lay up to 1,000 eggs at a time!
The eggs will hatch in about 24 hours. You can move the babies into a nursery tank to improve their odds of survival. Feed them mashed peas and other green vegetables until they’re ready to join the adults in your main tank.
Conclusion
All in all, we think Schreitmuller’s metynnis are a great fish for the beginning aquarist. They’re easy to care for and don’t require a lot of special attention.
We do recommend that you keep an eye on their diet, as they can be prone to overeating. Other than that, these fish are hardy and will do well in most tanks.
So, if you’re looking for a new fish to add to your tank, we say go for it! You won’t be disappointed.
