Silver dollar

Metynnis hypsauchen

Wild range: Amazon Basin (South America)

At a glance: Silver dollar care

Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.

What temperature is listed for Silver dollar?

The compiled profile lists 24.0–28.0 °C for Silver dollar (Metynnis hypsauchen). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.

What tank size is listed for Silver dollar?

The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 55.0 US gallons (208.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.

What pH is listed for Silver dollar?

The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–7.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.

Natural habitat

Silver Dollars inhabit densely planted tributaries, where they are often found in schools. This environment offers them safety from predators and abundant vegetation for feeding.

Where they are found

This species is primarily found in wild environments in South America, where they inhabit slow-moving waters with dense vegetation. This natural setting provides key insights into their behavior in captivity, suggesting that they prefer a structured yet open swimming environment.

Aquarium care

In aquaria, Silver Dollars can be nervous and may require dim lighting and hiding spots to feel secure. Plants should be selected with care, as these fish tend to eat live plants.

Feeding

Silver Dollar Tetras are omnivorous and can thrive on a varied diet. Flake or pellet foods can serve as their staple diet, supplemented with blanched vegetables like spinach or lettuce, along with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms for added nutrition.

Compatibility

These fish are generally peaceful and can be housed with other community-fish of similar size and temperament. However, care should be taken to avoid pairing them with smaller species that might be viewed as prey. They thrive best in a well-balanced community tank.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult. Silver Dollars are group spawners, requiring a large tank and softer, more acidic water for spawning. Proper conditioning is vital before introducing them to the breeding setup.

Sources

Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.