Overview Family: Characidae Silver Dollars are active, disc-shaped fish native to South American rivers and floodplains. Related to piranhas and pacus, they’re peaceful herbivores that add shimmer and movement to large community tanks. Their name comes from their round, reflective silver bodies that glint under aquarium lighting. Silver Dollars are social, fast swimmers that prefer spacious tanks with good filtration and surface movement. They’ll nibble on soft plants, so hardy species like Java fern and Anubias are recommended. Recommended Tank Size: A minimum of 150 litres Peaceful schooling fish — best kept in groups of 5 or more Compatible with large fish such as plecos, cichlids, and loaches Provide open swimming areas and some plants or driftwood for security Average Adult Size: Body length: 12-20 cm Reach adult size within 18–24 months Lifespan: typically 8–12 years with proper care Growth rate depends on tank size, diet, and water quality Water Parameters: pH: 6.0–7.5 Alkalinity (KH): 4–10 General Hardness (GH): 4–12 Temperature: 24–28 °C Note: Prefer soft, slightly acidic water & plenty of swimming space Food: Mainly herbivorous, but will accept a variety of foods Feed vegetable-based flakes or pellets, algae wafers, and blanched greens (spinach, lettuce, zucchini, peas) Occasionally offer bloodworms or brine shrimp as a treat Feed 1–2 times daily in moderate amounts