Silver Dollar

Silver Dollar (Metynnis argenteus)

The Silver Dollar is a captivating fish, renowned for its brilliant silver color and disc-shaped body that resembles a gleaming coin - thus, the name. Generally reaching a size of 6 inches in adulthood, these peaceful yet active fish bring a unique dynamic to any aquarium.

Silver Dollars are schooling fish and are best kept in groups of 5 or more to enhance their social behavior and decrease stress. They often dwell in the middle to top sections of the aquarium and coexist well with other larger, non-aggressive species. They generally exhibit peaceful behavior and can coexist with other larger, non-aggressive species. However, it's important to note that smaller fish may be at risk as Silver Dollars may eat them.

Silver Dollars primarily occupy the middle and top areas of the aquarium, so it is advisable to select tankmates that occupy the bottom to create a balanced distribution of fish within the tank. Larger, peaceful catfish species like plecos and doradids can be suitable choices. It's worth considering that Silver Dollars have strong jaws capable of biting, so this should be taken into account when selecting tankmates.

Silver Dollars are predominantly herbivorous and require a significant amount of vegetable matter in their diet. Vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, peas, and spring greens should be included. Commercial foods like algae wafers, spirulina, and vegetable flakes are also recommended. They also appreciate a varied diet of frozen and live foods such as bloodworms. While Silver Dollars accept a wide range of aquarium foods, it's important to ensure they receive their fair share, particularly when housed with more aggressive eaters such as Barbs and Tetras. Monitoring their feeding behavior is crucial to maintain their nutritional intake.

Silver Dollars require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room. To replicate their natural habitat and minimize stress, incorporate rocks, plants, driftwood, and dark-colored substrate, as well as open swimming areas in the aquarium. However, it's important to note that all Silver Dollar species have a tendency to nibble on plants. Therefore, opting for hardy plants that can withstand their browsing behavior is recommended. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) and Anubias (Anubias spp.) are two hardy aquatic plants known for their resilience. Both have tough leaves that can withstand a certain degree of nibbling from Silver Dollars. However, no plant is completely Silver Dollar-proof, and these fish may still cause damage over time. These plants also provide the added benefit of being low-maintenance and able to thrive in a range of water conditions. Alternatively, artificial plants can be used as a suitable alternative. Providing dim lighting and areas of refuge will help boost their confidence.

A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks being more suitable for larger schools. The ideal water parameters are a pH of 6.0-7.5, hardness of 5-19 dGH, and a temperature of 74-82°F (23-28°C). It's important to ensure your aquarium has efficient filtration to maintain clean water, as Silver Dollars are sensitive to poor water conditions.

Note that Silver Dollars are known for their quick movements when startled, and a tight-fitting lid is recommended to prevent them from jumping out of the tank.