
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Metynnis argenteus
A large characin shaped like a silver disc. It reaches nearly 15cm and needs a long tank, and its appetite for plants makes it hard to combine with a planted aquarium.
Metynnis argenteus is a large characin of the Tapajos basin in Brazil. FishBase gives 14.0cm SL, pH 5.0-7.0, hardness to 15 dH and 24-28C, and places it in weedy side arms of the river, while Seriously Fish gives 15.0cm SL, 24-28C, pH 6.0-7.0, 0-10 dGH and a base of at least 180 by 38cm, noting that length and width matter more than height. The name comes from the silver, disc-shaped body. The congeneric M. hypsauchen is sold under the same name and is near enough identical in both looks and care. It lives among dense plants in the wild, yet it is itself an avid plant-eater, which makes that habitat hard to reproduce in a tank: even hardy plants need replacing regularly, and artificial ones are an option. It occupies the middle and upper water.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Silver Dollar lives 6-10 years.
The Silver Dollar grows to About 14-15cm.
The ideal temperature for the Silver Dollar is 24〜28℃.
Origin
South America (the Tapajos river basin in Brazil)
Lifespan
6-10 years
Size
About 14-15cm
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
24〜28℃
Chiefly plant matter (courgette, cucumber, peas, greens, vegetable flake) with frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp
Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 180 by 38cm, about 205 litres at 30cm depth, and stresses that length and width matter more than height. Juveniles can be grown on in something smaller, but plan the setup around the adult fish. Plants will be eaten, so even hardy species need replacing regularly.
Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 0-10 dGH; FishBase gives pH 5.0-7.0, hardness to 15 dH and 24-28C. It is large and eats heavily, so provide filtration and a water-change routine to match.
Keep at least five together. It is broadly peaceful and mixes well with other large, peaceful fish, though much smaller ones may be eaten. It works the middle and upper water, so bottom-dwelling tank mates round out the tank.
Give it plenty of plant matter: courgette, cucumber, peas and other green vegetables, along with spirulina and vegetable flakes. It takes most aquarium foods too and is especially keen on bloodworm and brine shrimp.
It is a group spawner, so breeding calls for a large tank. Condition the fish beforehand and keep the water soft and on the acidic side; a water change with slightly warmer water can trigger spawning. A ready male darkens, the red about the chest intensifies, and he pursues the female, shimmying alongside her. The eggs drop to the bottom and hatch in about three days. A single pair may lay as many as 2,000 eggs, so survival is low.
FishBase lists it as IUCN Least Concern, not on the CITES appendices and harmless to people. It is usually sold without being distinguished from M. hypsauchen. The real points to weigh are its eventual size and its appetite for plants, which rules out a planted display in practice. Do not size the tank to the juvenile you buy.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Silver Dollar is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Silver Dollar is 6-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Silver Dollar typically reaches About 14-15cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Silver Dollar feeds on: Chiefly plant matter (courgette, cucumber, peas, greens, vegetable flake) with frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Silver Dollar varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026