Silver Dollar

Metynnis argenteus

Silver Dollar is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 5+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a loose group of 5+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Silver Dollar?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm)
Aquarium size: 70 US gal (265 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6–7
GH: up to 10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 70 US gal (265 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.

Temperament and compatibility

Silver Dollar is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 70 US gal (265 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Guyana, Paraguay, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blackberry Silver Dollar Myloplus schomburgkii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 15.7" (≤ 40 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Moon Tetra Bathyaethiops caudomaculatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 75–77°F (24–25°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Barred Danio Devario pathirana Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Bengal Danio Devario devario Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 59–79°F (15–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Silver Dollar get?

Silver Dollar reaches ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm).

What aquarium size does Silver Dollar need?

Use an aquarium of at least 70 US gal (265 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.

Is Silver Dollar peaceful?

Yes. Silver Dollar is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Silver Dollar?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Silver Dollar be kept alone or in a group?

Silver Dollar: Keep in a loose group of 5+.