Silver Dollar (Metynnis Hypsauchen)
Silver Dollar (Metynnis Hypsauchen)
The Silver Dollar is a shimmering, metallic fish native to the Amazon River basin. Its body is nearly circular and laterally compressed (very thin), looking exactly like a large silver coin swimming through the water. While they are peaceful, they are very active and can be quite skittish. Their most famous trait is their herbivorous appetite; in a planted tank, they act like a "lawnmower," making them one of the few fish that can actually be a challenge for an aquascaper.
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Common Name: Silver Dollar
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Scientific Name: Metynnis hypsauchen (often confused with M. argenteus)
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Origin: South America (Amazon and Paraguay River basins)
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Max Size: 15 cm
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Lifespan: 10+ years
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Temperament: Peaceful but skittish
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Diet: Herbivore – Loves spirulina flakes, vegetable wafers, blanched spinach, and cucumber.
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Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature: | 24–28°C |
| pH: | 6.0–7.0 |
| Hardness: | 4–15 dGH |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 285L+ (75 Gallons) for a school |
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Silver Dollars are strictly schooling fish and should be kept in a group of at least 5–6 specimens. When kept alone, they become extremely stressed and may injure themselves by darting into the glass.
They are excellent tank mates for large, semi-aggressive fish because they are fast and deep-bodied enough to not be bothered. They pair perfectly with Oscars, Neon Blue Acaras, and large Catfish.
Warning: They will eat almost any live plant in the aquarium. If you want greenery, you must stick to very tough plants like Java Fern or Anubias, or use silk/plastic plants.
Ideal Tank Setup
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Swimming Space: They are powerful, fast swimmers. An open middle area in a long tank is essential.
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Secure Lid: Absolute Necessity. Silver Dollars are notorious for jumping when startled (e.g., when the room lights are turned on suddenly).
- Dark Background: This helps the fish feel more secure and makes their silver scales "pop" visually.
-
Visual Barriers: Driftwood and large rocks should be placed around the edges to give them places to retreat if they feel threatened.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Silver Dollar (Metynnis Hypsauchen)
Silver Dollar (Metynnis Hypsauchen)
Silver Dollar (Metynnis Hypsauchen)
The Silver Dollar is a shimmering, metallic fish native to the Amazon River basin. Its body is nearly circular and laterally compressed (very thin), looking exactly like a large silver coin swimming through the water. While they are peaceful, they are very active and can be quite skittish. Their most famous trait is their herbivorous appetite; in a planted tank, they act like a "lawnmower," making them one of the few fish that can actually be a challenge for an aquascaper.
-
Common Name: Silver Dollar
-
Scientific Name: Metynnis hypsauchen (often confused with M. argenteus)
-
Origin: South America (Amazon and Paraguay River basins)
-
Max Size: 15 cm
-
Lifespan: 10+ years
-
Temperament: Peaceful but skittish
-
Diet: Herbivore – Loves spirulina flakes, vegetable wafers, blanched spinach, and cucumber.
-
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature: | 24–28°C |
| pH: | 6.0–7.0 |
| Hardness: | 4–15 dGH |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 285L+ (75 Gallons) for a school |
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Silver Dollars are strictly schooling fish and should be kept in a group of at least 5–6 specimens. When kept alone, they become extremely stressed and may injure themselves by darting into the glass.
They are excellent tank mates for large, semi-aggressive fish because they are fast and deep-bodied enough to not be bothered. They pair perfectly with Oscars, Neon Blue Acaras, and large Catfish.
Warning: They will eat almost any live plant in the aquarium. If you want greenery, you must stick to very tough plants like Java Fern or Anubias, or use silk/plastic plants.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Swimming Space: They are powerful, fast swimmers. An open middle area in a long tank is essential.
-
Secure Lid: Absolute Necessity. Silver Dollars are notorious for jumping when startled (e.g., when the room lights are turned on suddenly).
- Dark Background: This helps the fish feel more secure and makes their silver scales "pop" visually.
-
Visual Barriers: Driftwood and large rocks should be placed around the edges to give them places to retreat if they feel threatened.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Silver Dollar (Metynnis Hypsauchen)
The Silver Dollar is a shimmering, metallic fish native to the Amazon River basin. Its body is nearly circular and laterally compressed (very thin), looking exactly like a large silver coin swimming through the water. While they are peaceful, they are very active and can be quite skittish. Their most famous trait is their herbivorous appetite; in a planted tank, they act like a "lawnmower," making them one of the few fish that can actually be a challenge for an aquascaper.
-
Common Name: Silver Dollar
-
Scientific Name: Metynnis hypsauchen (often confused with M. argenteus)
-
Origin: South America (Amazon and Paraguay River basins)
-
Max Size: 15 cm
-
Lifespan: 10+ years
-
Temperament: Peaceful but skittish
-
Diet: Herbivore – Loves spirulina flakes, vegetable wafers, blanched spinach, and cucumber.
-
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature: | 24–28°C |
| pH: | 6.0–7.0 |
| Hardness: | 4–15 dGH |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 285L+ (75 Gallons) for a school |
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Silver Dollars are strictly schooling fish and should be kept in a group of at least 5–6 specimens. When kept alone, they become extremely stressed and may injure themselves by darting into the glass.
They are excellent tank mates for large, semi-aggressive fish because they are fast and deep-bodied enough to not be bothered. They pair perfectly with Oscars, Neon Blue Acaras, and large Catfish.
Warning: They will eat almost any live plant in the aquarium. If you want greenery, you must stick to very tough plants like Java Fern or Anubias, or use silk/plastic plants.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Swimming Space: They are powerful, fast swimmers. An open middle area in a long tank is essential.
-
Secure Lid: Absolute Necessity. Silver Dollars are notorious for jumping when startled (e.g., when the room lights are turned on suddenly).
- Dark Background: This helps the fish feel more secure and makes their silver scales "pop" visually.
-
Visual Barriers: Driftwood and large rocks should be placed around the edges to give them places to retreat if they feel threatened.
