Silver Dollar Fish
The silver dollar is a larger schooling fish of the streams and rivers of the Amazon basin. Silver dollars are one of the hardiest fish in the aquarium trade and have been sold in the trade since the late 1890s. These fish will outgrow small aquariums, so be prepared to move up. Known as a peaceful community fish, the general rule applies: do not keep with fish that can fit in their mouths. A school of four makes a nice, flashy display. Silver in body, many of the wild schools also have a muted spotted pattern, but without the green hue of the “spotted silver dollar”.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Metynnis argenteus |
|---|---|
| Origin | Amazon basin, South America |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Group Size | 4 or more |
| Water Temperature | 72-82°F |
| Water pH | 6.0-7.0 |
FAQ
What is the ideal group size for silver dollar fish?
A school of four or more is recommended for a natural and peaceful display.
Are silver dollar fish aggressive toward other fish?
No, silver dollars are peaceful and best kept in a community tank with non-aggressive, non-predatory species.
Do silver dollar fish require special water conditions?
They thrive in soft to moderately hard water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and a temperature range of 72-82°F.
Wendy Campbell –
I bought a school of four silver dollars for my 55-gallon tank. They’ve been active and peaceful since arrival. The fish are bright silver with subtle spots, and they swim together in a coordinated way. I didn’t have to worry about aggression. Just make sure the tank is large enough to accommodate their growth.
Gavin Powell –
The silver dollars are beautiful and easy to care for. I noticed they prefer to stay in the middle of the tank. I keep them with tetras and dwarf corydoras, and there’s no conflict. They do need a larger tank, though, as they grow quickly.
Mary Clarkson –
Great addition to my community tank. They’re active, colorful, and don’t stress other fish. I’ve had them for three months and they’ve grown slightly but still fit well. The only thing to note is they need a spacious tank to thrive.