{"product_id":"silver-dollar-metynnis-argenteus-aa2601","title":"Silver Dollar | Metynnis argenteus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Silver Dollar is exactly what its name suggests — a bright, coin-shaped disc of polished chrome that shoals in gleaming numbers through the mid-water. Peaceful, hardy and reaching around 15 cm, it is a handsome, active schooler for a roomy tank, though as a dedicated plant-eater it is best kept in an unplanted or artificially-planted aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMetynnis argenteus comes from the rivers and tributaries of the Amazon basin and the Tapajós region in South America, where it lives in warm, soft, slightly acidic waters among riverside and submerged vegetation, feeding largely on plant matter in shoals.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA tall, round, strongly compressed silver body flashes almost mirror-like under good light, sometimes with a faint spotting or a subtle reddish edge to the fins in mature fish. A close relative of the piranhas but entirely peaceful, it swims in tight, glittering schools that catch the eye.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeaceful and gregarious, it must be kept in a group of five or more to feel secure — lone fish become nervous and skittish. It mixes well with other peaceful, medium to large community fish and even makes a good dither fish for larger, calmer cichlids. Being a fast, deep-bodied shoaler, it appreciates open swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA herbivore with a big appetite for greens. Offer spirulina and vegetable-based flakes and pellets as a staple, plus plenty of blanched vegetables — courgette, spinach, peas and lettuce — and occasional frozen foods. A well-fed group is less likely to strip any live plants, but greens must be offered generously.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 200 L, with 280 L or larger better for a proper school of these active, deep-bodied fish. Keep temperature at 24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.0 and soft water. They can be skittish, so subdued lighting, open swimming space and a secure lid help. Note honestly that they will eat and destroy most live plants, so they are not plant safe — use hardy or artificial plants.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn egg-scattering species that spawns among fine-leaved plants in soft, slightly acidic, warm water. Eggs are scattered and left unguarded, sinking and hatching in a few days; the fry are reared on infusoria and fine foods. Breeding is achievable with a conditioned group and the right water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMetynnis argenteus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSilver Dollar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSouth America (Amazon and Tapajós basins)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 15 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 years or more with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (schooling)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e280 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHerbivore: spirulina and vegetable foods, blanched vegetables, occasional frozen foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5–7.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft, around 4–12 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge, peaceful community aquariums (unplanted or artificially planted)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo (eats live plants)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include other silver dollars, larger peaceful tetras and barbs, rainbowfish, larger corydoras and plecos, and calm, larger cichlids that will not harass them.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with very small fish that may be intimidated, aggressive or fin-nipping species, and any set-up relying on prized live plants, which will be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55304233845027,"sku":"AA1502","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232883556643,"sku":null,"price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232883589411,"sku":"AA2601","price":44.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Large_Silver_Dollar_6fc16fea-4747-45ca-9008-3bd3f5bcf8d7.jpg?v=1781701787","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/silver-dollar-metynnis-argenteus-aa2601","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}