Hard-bellied Mylossoma

Mylossoma duriventre is the most widely distributed Mylossoma species, found throughout tropical South America from Venezuela to the Paraná. Its common name refers to the hardened ventral scutes that form a serrated keel along the belly — a characteristic shared with other serrasalmids.

In aquaria, M. duriventre is hardy, adaptable, and entirely peaceful. It thrives in large schools and serves as an excellent dither fish for timid large cichlids. Its omnivorous diet is easy to satisfy and it is one of the least demanding members of the Serrasalmidae for general maintenance.

Not subject to piranha restrictions in most regions.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 5.5-7.5, soft to moderately hard; adaptable to a wide range of conditions within these parameters. Tank: Minimum 500L for a school; open swimming space; can be combined with robust South American cichlids, large catfish, and other schooling fish. Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality pellets, flake, frozen foods, blanched leafy vegetables; will graze on soft aquatic plants. Breeding: Egg-scattering species; not commonly bred in captivity. Compatibility: Peaceful; one of the best community members in the Serrasalmidae family; not subject to piranha ownership restrictions.