The Silver Dollar (Metynnis argenteus Ahl , 1923) is a tropical fish belonging to the Characidae family which is closely related to the Pirahna. Originating in the Tapajós River basin in South America, this somewhat round-shaped silver fish with slight red-tinged anal fin is mostly found in tanks kept by fish keeping hobbyists. It will grow to a maximum length of 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters).

The Silver Dollar is a peaceful schooling species that spends most of its time in the mid- to upper-level of the water. Its maximum lifespan is more than 10 years. An egg-layer, the adult fish will spawn around a 2000 eggs. This breeding occurs in soft, warm water in low light.

Silver Dollars natively live in a tropical climate in the sides of weedy rivers. They prefer water with a 5.0 - 7.0 pH, a water hardness of up to 15.0 dGH, and an ideal temperature range of 75 - 82 °F (24 - 28 °C). Their diet is almost exclusively vegetarian and in captivity they will often eat all the plants in a tank. They will also eat worms and small insects.

See also

• List of freshwater aquarium fish species

References