Silver Dollar Metynnis Argenteus 5cm

Overview

The Silver Dollar is a round, laterally compressed characin whose polished silver flanks earn its name. Endemic to the Rio Tapajós in Brazil, it swims in tight, nervous schools and grows into a substantial fish. It suits keepers with a large community tank of similarly sized, peaceful species.

• Adult Size: Around 15 cm (6 in)
• Lifespan: 10 years or more

Origin

• Native to: Rio Tapajós drainage, Brazil
• Habitat: Densely planted river tributaries

Feeding

• Diet: Herbivorous, with occasional meaty treats
• Preferred Foods: Spirulina flake, algae wafers, blanched courgette, peas, cucumber, bloodworm
• Feeding Habits: Feed once or twice daily; greens daily keep them in condition

Tank Mates

• Best with: Larger peaceful fish: Severums, Geophagus, plecos, doradid catfish
• Avoid: Small fish that may be eaten; delicate live plants

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and skittish; best in groups of five or more
• Territoriality: None; occasional fin nipping when underfed

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
• Challenges: Needs a long tank, a group and a vegetable-rich diet

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.0
• Hardness: 0–10 dGH
• Flow: Moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 260 litres for a group of adults; a long footprint matters most

Final Notes

Silver Dollars grow fast and need swimming room, so a small juvenile is a commitment to a large, long aquarium. They will strip most live plants, so use wood, rockwork and tough species such as Anubias or Java Fern. Subdued lighting and a tight lid help, as they jump when startled. Males have a longer anal fin with a red tinge; they are group spawners, scattering up to 2,000 eggs. A rewarding, long-lived schooling fish.