Silver Dollar Spotted (Metynnis Lippincottianus)
Spotted Silver Dollar (Metynnis lippincottianus)
The Spotted Silver Dollar is a peaceful, schooling herbivore native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It is famous for its shimmering, silver-blue iridescence and the dark spots that vary in intensity depending on the fish's mood and social status. Like its relatives, it is deep-bodied and laterally compressed, looking like a swimming silver plate. They are incredibly hardy but, as "vegetarian piranhas," they have a notorious appetite for live aquatic plants.
Key Information
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Common Name: Spotted Silver Dollar, Spotted Metynnis
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Scientific Name: Metynnis lippincottianus
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Origin: South America (Amazon, Orinoco, and various Brazilian river systems)
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Max Size: 13–15 cm
-
Lifespan: 10+ years
-
Temperament: Peaceful but can be skittish
-
Diet: Herbivore/Omnivore – They primarily eat vegetable matter. Provide spirulina wafers, blanched lettuce, spinach, cucumber, and high-quality veggie flakes.
-
Care Level: Easy
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature: | 24–28°C |
| pH: | 6.0–7.2 |
| Hardness: | 4–15 dGH |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 285L+ (75 Gallons) for a school |
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Spotted Silver Dollars are strictly schooling fish and must be kept in groups of 5 or more. When kept in a group, they are much more confident and spend their time patrolling the middle layers of the tank.
They are the ultimate "dither fish" for medium-to-large cichlids. They are fast and deep-bodied enough to live comfortably with Oscars, Neon Blue Acaras, Severums, and large Catfish.
Aquascaper's Warning: They will treat most live plants like a salad bar. If you must have plants, choose "unpalatable" species like Anubias or Java Fern and secure them to driftwood, as they may still try to nibble on new growth.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Open Swimming Space: They are energetic and fast. Ensure the center of the tank is clear of obstacles to allow the school to move freely.
-
Low/Dappled Lighting: Being naturally skittish, they prefer slightly dimmed light. Floating plants (even if they nibble them) or a dark background can help them feel secure.
-
Secure Lid: Essential. Silver Dollars are "flighty" fish; they can jump or dash into the glass if the room lights are turned on suddenly or if they are startled.
-
Driftwood and Rocks: Place decor around the perimeter of the tank to provide "hiding spots" while maintaining the open swimming area in the middle.
-
High-Volume Filtration: Because they are large and usually kept in schools, they produce a significant bioload. A strong canister filter is recommended.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Silver Dollar Spotted (Metynnis Lippincottianus)
Silver Dollar Spotted (Metynnis Lippincottianus)
Spotted Silver Dollar (Metynnis lippincottianus)
The Spotted Silver Dollar is a peaceful, schooling herbivore native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It is famous for its shimmering, silver-blue iridescence and the dark spots that vary in intensity depending on the fish's mood and social status. Like its relatives, it is deep-bodied and laterally compressed, looking like a swimming silver plate. They are incredibly hardy but, as "vegetarian piranhas," they have a notorious appetite for live aquatic plants.
Key Information
-
Common Name: Spotted Silver Dollar, Spotted Metynnis
-
Scientific Name: Metynnis lippincottianus
-
Origin: South America (Amazon, Orinoco, and various Brazilian river systems)
-
Max Size: 13–15 cm
-
Lifespan: 10+ years
-
Temperament: Peaceful but can be skittish
-
Diet: Herbivore/Omnivore – They primarily eat vegetable matter. Provide spirulina wafers, blanched lettuce, spinach, cucumber, and high-quality veggie flakes.
-
Care Level: Easy
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature: | 24–28°C |
| pH: | 6.0–7.2 |
| Hardness: | 4–15 dGH |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 285L+ (75 Gallons) for a school |
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Spotted Silver Dollars are strictly schooling fish and must be kept in groups of 5 or more. When kept in a group, they are much more confident and spend their time patrolling the middle layers of the tank.
They are the ultimate "dither fish" for medium-to-large cichlids. They are fast and deep-bodied enough to live comfortably with Oscars, Neon Blue Acaras, Severums, and large Catfish.
Aquascaper's Warning: They will treat most live plants like a salad bar. If you must have plants, choose "unpalatable" species like Anubias or Java Fern and secure them to driftwood, as they may still try to nibble on new growth.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Open Swimming Space: They are energetic and fast. Ensure the center of the tank is clear of obstacles to allow the school to move freely.
-
Low/Dappled Lighting: Being naturally skittish, they prefer slightly dimmed light. Floating plants (even if they nibble them) or a dark background can help them feel secure.
-
Secure Lid: Essential. Silver Dollars are "flighty" fish; they can jump or dash into the glass if the room lights are turned on suddenly or if they are startled.
-
Driftwood and Rocks: Place decor around the perimeter of the tank to provide "hiding spots" while maintaining the open swimming area in the middle.
-
High-Volume Filtration: Because they are large and usually kept in schools, they produce a significant bioload. A strong canister filter is recommended.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Spotted Silver Dollar (Metynnis lippincottianus)
The Spotted Silver Dollar is a peaceful, schooling herbivore native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It is famous for its shimmering, silver-blue iridescence and the dark spots that vary in intensity depending on the fish's mood and social status. Like its relatives, it is deep-bodied and laterally compressed, looking like a swimming silver plate. They are incredibly hardy but, as "vegetarian piranhas," they have a notorious appetite for live aquatic plants.
Key Information
-
Common Name: Spotted Silver Dollar, Spotted Metynnis
-
Scientific Name: Metynnis lippincottianus
-
Origin: South America (Amazon, Orinoco, and various Brazilian river systems)
-
Max Size: 13–15 cm
-
Lifespan: 10+ years
-
Temperament: Peaceful but can be skittish
-
Diet: Herbivore/Omnivore – They primarily eat vegetable matter. Provide spirulina wafers, blanched lettuce, spinach, cucumber, and high-quality veggie flakes.
-
Care Level: Easy
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Temperature: | 24–28°C |
| pH: | 6.0–7.2 |
| Hardness: | 4–15 dGH |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 285L+ (75 Gallons) for a school |
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Spotted Silver Dollars are strictly schooling fish and must be kept in groups of 5 or more. When kept in a group, they are much more confident and spend their time patrolling the middle layers of the tank.
They are the ultimate "dither fish" for medium-to-large cichlids. They are fast and deep-bodied enough to live comfortably with Oscars, Neon Blue Acaras, Severums, and large Catfish.
Aquascaper's Warning: They will treat most live plants like a salad bar. If you must have plants, choose "unpalatable" species like Anubias or Java Fern and secure them to driftwood, as they may still try to nibble on new growth.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Open Swimming Space: They are energetic and fast. Ensure the center of the tank is clear of obstacles to allow the school to move freely.
-
Low/Dappled Lighting: Being naturally skittish, they prefer slightly dimmed light. Floating plants (even if they nibble them) or a dark background can help them feel secure.
-
Secure Lid: Essential. Silver Dollars are "flighty" fish; they can jump or dash into the glass if the room lights are turned on suddenly or if they are startled.
-
Driftwood and Rocks: Place decor around the perimeter of the tank to provide "hiding spots" while maintaining the open swimming area in the middle.
-
High-Volume Filtration: Because they are large and usually kept in schools, they produce a significant bioload. A strong canister filter is recommended.
