Wide Bar Silver Dollar (Metynnis fasciatus)

The Wide Bar Silver Dollar is an elegant and highly sought-after variant of the classic Silver Dollar. Known for its distinct vertical bars and brilliant metallic sheen, this peaceful yet active fish is a favorite for large community aquariums. With proper care, the Wide Bar Silver Dollar provides a striking visual rhythm and sophisticated presence to any large-scale aquatic display.

 

Key Information

• Common Name: Wide Bar Silver Dollar, Tiger Silver Dollar

• Scientific Name: Metynnis fasciatus

• Origin: Amazon River Basin, South America

• Max Size: 14–15 cm

• Lifespan: 10+ years

• Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish

• Diet: Herbivore – vegetable flakes, spirulina pellets, blanched greens

• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

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Water Parameters

Temperature: 24–28°C pH: 6.0–7.2 Hardness: 4–15 dGH Minimum Tank Size: 285L+

 

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Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

Wide Bar Silver Dollars are social schoolers that must be kept in groups of five or more. They are excellent dither fish for larger, peaceful community tanks and pair well with species such as Oscars, Severums, and large Catfish. While they are non-aggressive, their fast-swimming nature and size mean they should be housed with robust tank mates that occupy different layers of the aquarium.

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Ideal Tank Setup

• Large, open swimming areas to accommodate active schooling

• Strong filtration to manage high bioload and maintain water quality

• Visual barriers such as driftwood and large rocks to provide security

• Tough plants (e.g., Java Fern) or silk plants, as they are notorious herbivores