Red Hook Silver Dollar


Scientific Name(s): Myletes rubripinnis

Common Name(s): Red Hook Silver Dollar

Origin: Guyana, Amazon

Family: Serrasalmidae

Species Type: Characin

Maximum Size: up to 12 inches, but usually closer to 8 inches in an aquarium

Life Span: 10 years

Natural Habitat: Guyana, Amazon, commonly found in the black waters of the Amazon

Diet: Omnivore, Red Hook Silver Dollars will eat flakes, and pellets. A good staple food is essential for optimum health. The Red Hook Silver Dollar will also enjoy veggies as a supplement; they are not picky and will eat almost anything.

Temperature: 75°-82° F

PH: 6.0-8.0, they prefer softer water but will adapt well to harder water.

Minimum Tank Size: 55g. The Red Hook is an active swimmer and will appreciate lots of swimming room.

Tank Region: Middle to all over, they are always active.

Temperament: Peaceful. Schooling fish, best kept in groups of 4 or more.

Possible Tank Mates: Community aquarium with other medium to large fish. Red Hooks are a good candidate for a community tank of larger species. They can socialize well with most medium to larger fish including many large South and Central American cichlids and catfish. Their peaceful temperament makes them a good addition to just about any tank.

Filtration and Setup: A good filtration system and routine maintenance will keep your Silver Dollars happy. Lots of open swimming space should be provided. There should also be quite a few plants for them to retreat to. Gravel or sand is a good choice for substrate. Sharp plants or objects should be avoided sense this species is an active swimmer and can sometimes be spooked.

Coloration: Silver body with a red hooked anal fin. This species is round in shape with a broad chest.

Breeding: As far as I know breeding has not been reported in the aquarium.

Comments: The Red hook Silver Dollars is among of the prettiest silver dollars. They will shoal with other types of Silver Dollars as well. Just like other Silver Dollar species these guys will snack on live plants. They enjoy a planted tank so fake plants are a better way to go unless you can accept loosing some plants. Because of how big they get I suggest you have a 55g for a group. This species does better in larger groups. I would suggest a group of four or more. If you are looking to get a nice group six or more I would suggest a 75g as a minimum starting point. Silver dollars are active fish with a good personality. If you are looking for a peaceful fish to compliment your tank Silver Dollars are a good choice.

**** Pics courtesy of Silver Dollar Dude****