Silver Dollar

Scientific Name(s): Metynnis argenteus

Common Name(s): Silver Dollar

Origin: Guyana, Amazon Basin east of the Rio Negro.

Family: Serrasalmidae

Species Type: Characin

Maximum Size: 5-8 in/13-20 cm

Life Span: : 10 years or more

Natural Habitat: among reeds in shallow rivers.

Diet: Omnivores.

Temperature: : 75°-82° F (24 -28° C)

pH: 6.0-7.0

Minimum Tank Size: minimum of 25 gallons, though 55 gallons or larger is more suitable.

Tank Region: middle

Temperament: Good candidate for the community tank.

Possible Tank Mates: Smaller tankmates include corydoras and tetras, larger tankmates include Oscars, arowanas and mid-sized catfish.

Filtration and Setup : No special filtration needs. Shallow tank with open space for swimming. Driftwood and plastic plants for cover.

Coloration: Silver with reddish-tinged or orange anal fin. Black line through the eye.

Breeding: School spawner, though may be accomplished with a suitable pair only. Soft water at a temperature of 79-82° F and a pH of 6.0-7.0. Peat filtration increases the chance of success. They are egg-droppers that will scatter up to 2,000 eggs on clumps of floating plants and on the tank bottom. Fry hatch in approximately three days and are free-swimming within a week. Fry must initially be fed fine foods (infusoria).

Comments: The silver dollar is a peaceful schooling species best kept in schools of five or more. Maintaining a school of this species promotes brighter coloration and inhibits shyness, allowing more natural behavior to be observed, thus a larger tank is recommended and is necessary to maintain this species at its best. Plastic plants are suggested as live plants willl be eaten.

Profile by Silver Dollar Dude, Wyomingite and Mostly Cichlids. Photos provided by Silver Dollar Dude.