Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Silver Dollar - Metynnis argenteus

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 4/5
Sociability rating: 7/10
Area of tank: Middle
Aquarium water conditions: 6-8, vs,s,m,h
Temperature: 24 - 28C
Feeding: Flake, frozen, live foods. Vegetable matter should be included
Minimum tank size: 120cm
Min / Max number in tank: Min 4

Fish fact file

Family: Characidae (Characins)
Synonyms: Metynnis anisurus, M. dungerni, M. eigenmanni, M. heinrothi, M. smethlageae
Other common names:
Origin: South America; Tapajos River basin
Natural habitat: Heavily vegetated waters
Size: 15cm
Behavior: Peaceful, shoaling, plant-eater
Breeding: Egg scatterer, soft water required
Natural water conditions: pH 5-7, medium
Sexing: Males have a redder enlarged anal fin

Fish code No.0917

Recently Viewed fish: Silver Dollar

Siamese Fighting Fish

The Silver Dollar is closely related to the Piranha but is almost exclusively vegetarian. Silver Dollars can exhibit quite a nervous and timid nature, especially when young, so they must be kept in an aquarium where they are unlikely to be unduly frightened by outside events. The round body of the Silver Dollar gives it a strong presence in the aquarium and a group will make excellent tank mates for other large peaceful fish and even some larger cichlids. Although they will adapt to harder water, they will do best in soft to medium conditions. Provide hiding spots amongst large roots and include plant material in their diet.

Fish Database Search

Select a species group to see a list of species with pictures and sizes:

Search by fish code: Enter the fish code, then click search.
Search by common name:
Search by scientific name: