Silver Dollar (Metynnis argenteus) Care Guide

A large, round, shimmering silver schooling fish related to piranhas but entirely herbivorous. Named for its disc-shaped body resembling a silver coin.

Overview

Metynnis argenteus is a species in the family Characidae. A large, round, shimmering silver schooling fish related to piranhas but entirely herbivorous. Named for its disc-shaped body resembling a silver coin. Peaceful despite its size, it thrives in groups but will devour most live plants.

Taxonomy

Family: Characidae
Genus: Metynnis
Scientific name: Metynnis argenteus
Other names: Silver Dollar Fish
Origin: South America, Amazon Basin

Habitat

Metynnis argenteus is a disc-shaped, silver characin from the Amazon basin of South America. A shoaling, largely herbivorous fish of slow rivers and flooded forest, it readily eats soft aquatic plants and needs a spacious tank in groups.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 5-7
GH: 4-18 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 12-15 cm
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 5
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Oscar, Severum, Bala Shark, Bristlenose Pleco, Large Barbs
Avoid with: Small Fish, Shrimp, Snails

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate