Silver Dollar (Metynnis spp.) Shimmering, active and unmistakably disc-shaped, Silver Dollars are peaceful South American schooling fish that bring constant movement to larger community aquariums. Their bright metallic body and social behaviour make them especially striking when kept in a proper group with plenty of open swimming space. Quick Facts Scientific name: Metynnis spp. (commonly sold as Metynnis argenteus or closely related species) Common name: Silver Dollar Origin: South America Adult size: Approximately 15 cm, depending on species Tank size: 280L+ recommended for a proper group Difficulty: 🟢 Easy to Moderate Temperament: Peaceful but active and sometimes skittish Swimming level: Midwater Best kept: Groups of at least 5–6, with larger groups preferred where space allows Is this for you? ✔️ Perfect if: You want a larger peaceful schooling fish. You have a spacious aquarium with plenty of open swimming room. You enjoy active midwater fish. You keep medium to large peaceful community species. You prefer a striking metallic silver fish with a classic body shape. ❌ Avoid if: Your aquarium is small. You intend to keep only one or two individuals. You want to maintain a heavily planted display with delicate plants. You keep very small fish that could be intimidated by a large active school. Why choose Silver Dollars? Silver Dollars are one of the most recognisable large schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. Their deep, laterally compressed bodies reflect light beautifully and create a strong metallic silver flash as the group moves through the aquarium. They are peaceful by nature but are most confident when kept in a proper school. A larger group reduces nervous behaviour and creates a much more natural display. They are also hardy and adaptable once established, making them an excellent choice for aquarists with the space to accommodate their adult size. Benefits Striking metallic silver appearance Peaceful temperament Excellent schooling behaviour Hardy once established Active midwater presence Easy to feed Excellent for larger community aquariums Care made simple Temperature: Approximately 23–28°C pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5 Water: Clean, stable and well oxygenated Diet: Primarily herbivorous/omnivorous Staple foods: Quality flakes, pellets and vegetable-based foods Supplement with: Spirulina, algae wafers, blanched vegetables and occasional live or frozen foods Flow: Gentle to moderate Setup: Large open swimming areas with secure cover Be aware that Silver Dollars may eat or damage many aquarium plants. Regular water changes help maintain strong condition and reduce stress. Pairs perfectly with Peaceful medium to large cichlids Plecos Larger Corydoras and catfish Other peaceful medium-sized community fish Other Silver Dollars NTA Insight:Silver Dollars are schooling fish, so one or two individuals can appear nervous and skittish. A proper group of five or six or more produces much better behaviour and a more impressive display. Also expect them to treat many soft aquarium plants as food. FAQ What is the scientific name of the Silver Dollar?Several closely related Metynnis species are sold under the common name Silver Dollar. The common form is often identified as Metynnis argenteus, but trade identification can vary, so this listing is conservatively identified as Metynnis spp.How large do Silver Dollars grow?Most common Silver Dollars reach approximately 15 cm as adults, although final size varies somewhat between species.How many Silver Dollars should I keep?Keep at least five to six individuals, with a larger school preferred where aquarium size allows.Are Silver Dollars peaceful?Yes. They are generally peaceful schooling fish, although their size and active swimming style mean they are better suited to medium and large community aquariums.Do Silver Dollars eat plants?Often, yes. They are strongly herbivorous and may eat or damage many live aquarium plants.What should I feed them?Offer quality flakes or pellets with plenty of vegetable matter, including spirulina-based foods, algae wafers and suitable blanched vegetables. Occasional live or frozen foods can also be offered.Do Silver Dollars need a heater?In most Australian homes a heater is recommended to maintain a stable tropical temperature, particularly through cooler months.Are Silver Dollars suitable for beginners?They are hardy and straightforward to feed, but their adult size and need for a proper school mean they require a large, well-established aquarium.How long do Silver Dollars live?With good care, Silver Dollars can live for around 10 years or more.
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