Spotted Silver Dollar Fish For Sale? The 127 Detailed Answer

Family Serrasalmidae Origin Brazil, Guyana Social Peaceful, suitable for community tanks Tank Level Medium resident Minimum tank size 20 gallons Diet Herbivore, eats plants Breeding Egglayer Care Intermediate pH 5.0 to 7.0 Hardness Up to 15 dGH Temperature 75 to 82 F (24 to 28 C )

origin and distribution

Metynnis argenteus is native to the Tapajós River Basin in Brazil but is widespread in shallower tributaries and river systems in northern South America. It’s just one of a dozen different species known as “silver dollars” in the aquarium trade. Metynnis argenteus, Metynnis hypsauchen, Metynnis lippincottianus, Myleus rubripinnis and Mylossoma aureum are all species that regularly come up for sale in the aquarium industry.

Metynnis argenteus is commonly thought of as the archetypal silver dollar and is often confused with Metynnis hypsauchen, which shares a similar appearance. Metynnis argenteus can sometimes be distinguished from other species by their small dots on their sides.

colors and markings

Metynnis argenteus silver dollars are generally a lustrous silver throughout the body but with a slight green or blue tinge in the right light. In healthy habitats, they have small tinted dots on their sides. Red hints also appear, particularly on the male’s anal fin, which is outlined in red.

tankmates

Silver dollars are naturally schooling fish and thrive best when kept in schools of six or more. A very peaceful shoal species, they do not do well on their own, but even a large group will be timid and fearful without shelter.

They are peaceful enough to be trusted with much smaller fish than themselves, yet are hardy enough to deal with the company of much larger species. Peaceful catfish such as plecos and doradids would be good choices, as would many non-aggressive cichlids.

Habitat and Care of the Silver Dollar

Silver dollars are sturdy and easy to care for. Although this fish is fairly long-lived, the aquarist must maintain a very large tank for it. A school or six or more will need an aquarium of 75 gallons or more. Silver dollars prefer subdued lighting, a dark background, plenty of freedom of movement and plenty of good hiding places.

It is advisable to use plastic plants or very hardy live plants as they will eat most live plants. They do best in soft, moderately acidic water, although they are not picky about water conditions. Silver Dollars do not have undue demands for water quality, although they do best in clean and clear, well-aerated, and well-filtered running water.

Silver Dollar Diet and Feeding

Interestingly, silver dollars belong to the same family as piranhas, but instead of being carnivores, they are almost exclusively vegetarian. Her favorite foods include flaky vegetables like spirulina and leafy greens like lettuce, watercress, and cooked romaine lettuce or spinach. They also eat cooked vegetables like peas and squash. If feeding fresh food, take extra care to remove uneaten portions immediately, as their putrefaction will pollute the water.

Although the silver dollar prefers a vegetarian diet, they also eat meaty foods as treats. They especially love mosquito larvae, mosquito larvae (glass worms) and Artemia. If silver dollars are in a community tank, watch them at feeding time to ensure more active and aggressive fish are not getting the bulk of the food. Some silver dollar individuals can be quite shy in crowds and become malnourished as a result. Using feeding rings will likely mitigate this problem.

gender differences

Males have a longer anal fin colored red on the front. During courtship and breeding, the male also develops two large black spots located vertically just behind the base of the pectoral fins. The red color on the male fins becomes richer and black borders appear. Some male specimens also show other dark marbling on the body. Females show little, if any, color variation during courtship and incubation.

Breeding of the Silver Dollar

Silver dollars are easy to farm. They will occasionally spawn unaided in a large, well-suited aquarium. To form breeding pairs, start with half a dozen or more hatchlings and raise them to maturity together. They reach breeding age at about a year and about four inches in length. To optimize breeding success, it is best to condition males and females in separate tanks prior to breeding. Feed them a high-quality plant-based and plant-based diet with some meaty treats for seven to 10 days.

They are naturally group spawners, but can also be bred in known pairs. Breeding pairs should be removed from their school and transferred to a breeding tank. Although the parents do not consume their own eggs or fry, other fish will place them in a separate tank when spawning.

To facilitate spawning, make sure the water is soft (8 dgH or below) and warm (80 to 82 F). Keep lighting low and provide fine-leaved plants; These are eaten when alive rather than plastic plants. When ready to spawn, males darken, especially around the anal, caudal, and dorsal fins, and their shades of red intensify.

Eventually, a pair will spawn and the female will lay up to 2,000 eggs. The eggs fall to the bottom of the tank, where they hatch in three days; They won’t be bothered by their vegetarian parents. After about a week, the juveniles are free-swimming and ready to eat fine foods such as commercially prepared fry food, finely chopped spirulina, or newly hatched artemia.

More pet fish species and more research

If silver dollars appeal to you and you are interested in compatible fish for your aquarium, read on:

See additional fish farmer profiles for more information on other freshwater fish.

The silver dollarfish is a popular and unique freshwater fish that has been a staple of aquariums for quite some time.

They have a very interesting and appealing appearance, but that’s not the only reason that makes them a great fish.

Silver dollar fish care is a fairly simple process that won’t take a lot of your time or give you a lot of headaches. These fish are relatively easy to care for and will live long if you keep your share of the bargain.

They are also great for community pools. The list of possible silver dollar aquarium mates is quite long!

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about silver dollar fish and their care. Then you can run and get one yourself!

Summary of Species

The silver dollarfish (scientific name: Metynnis argenteus) is found throughout South America in rivers with lots of long vegetation. Their tall and thin stature makes them perfect for navigating this environment and swimming effortlessly among the stems.

They primarily eat plants and are known for their ability to devour any plant in their path. In fact, one of their nicknames is “Plant Piranha”! This is worth noting as it affects how you decorate and fill your aquarium when it comes to plant life.

In addition to plants, silver dollar fish are also accustomed to a variety of hiding places in their natural habitat. Rocks and driftwood are scattered across the water where they live.

These are top house fish, meaning they will spend most of their time in the top half of your freshwater aquarium. Knowing this will come in handy when scouting potential tankmates later.

life span

The typical lifespan of silver dollar fish is around ten years. However, it is not uncommon for them to exceed this by a year if they have good genetics and are optimally cared for.

Because of their natural habitat, these are very hardy fish. However, this still means that you can significantly reduce their lifespan if you don’t maintain the right tank and water conditions. As long as you take these things seriously, you should expect them to live quite a long and happy life!

Looks

The silver dollar fish looks exactly like a silver dollar (shocking). Their bodies are large and flat, giving them a more circular appearance when viewed from the side.

Most of their body is fairly shiny, but becomes more translucent when you get to their fins. Thie continues to highlight their silver dollar similarities.

Their dorsal fins look a bit like an inclined equilateral triangle starting at the highest point of their body. The front crest of the dorsal fin is typically more opaque than the rest.

Their caudal fins are very slightly forked and perfectly symmetrical. The silver caudal peduncle extends slightly into the caudal fin in these fish.

Silver dollar fish have slightly lumpy bodies. Starting at her head, it’s a pretty neat triangle at the top and bottom to the middle. Then, where its dorsal fin begins, it slopes down before hitting a very slight bump. As it does so, it flattens out below before making a sharp bend up to the caudal fin.

Author’s note: Silver dollar fish are from the same family as the piranha (Scharacidae). If you compare their heads you can definitely see the similarities.

Types of silver dollar fish

There are a few species of silver dollar fish that you will see quite often. The standard silver color is by far the most popular, but they’re not alone.

Red Hook Silver Dollar Fish

The red-hook silver dollarfish has a very distinctive red anal fin that looks a lot like a ship’s rudder. The rest of their body looks very similar to the classic silver dollar, but the coloration can be a bit more spotty at times.

Spotted Silver Dollarfish

The spotted silver dollarfish is a nice variety that many aquarists seem to enjoy. They have a darker base color on their bodies (more gray than anything else) and are covered with a series of dark brown spots.

Tiger Silver Dollar Fish

The Tiger Silver Dollar Fish is our personal favorite species. It is a very clean blue-silver with a series of large dark vertical stripes. This is a fun fish to watch swimming!

size

The average silver dollar fish size is about 6 inches in length. There are occasional reports of them reaching 8 inches, but don’t expect that.

These are not small fish, which means you need to plan your aquarium accordingly. They are not only long but also big! The only space-saving characteristic of silver dollar fish is their width.

Silver Dollar Fish Care

Caring for silver dollar fish isn’t rocket science. These are hardy and long-lived fish that can thrive in a wide range of conditions.

This gives you the luxury of not having to be paranoid about the absolutely perfect tank conditions. That being said, there are still a handful of things you need to know.

tank size

A 75 gallon tank should be sufficient for your silver dollarfish. This assumes a minimum of 5 fish for your aquarium. These are schooling fish that do much better in a group than alone, so we don’t recommend saving less space.

You should have a long tank for your adult silver dollarfish as they are active fish that love to swim. This gives them a certain distance that they can cover without feeling constrained.

Author’s Note: If you plan to have more than 5 silver dollar fish in an aquarium, add 10-15 gallons for each additional fish.

water parameters

Maintaining the correct water parameters is crucial when it comes to caring for silver dollarfish. Despite their robust nature, they can run into trouble if parameters change too much.

Water Temperature: 75°F to 82°F

75°F to 82°F pH levels: 5-7

5-7 Water Hardness: 4-18 dGH – most experienced aquarists prefer somewhere in the 8 to 15 range.

What to put in their tank

Silver dollarfish require a well-made habitat for enrichment and comfort. These fish are prone to high levels of stress when spending time in an environment they don’t understand or lack what they need.

First, you should add a decent amount of plants that you don’t find palatable. This allows them to feel right at home without having to add new plants every few days. If these fish like the plants in their tank, they will devour them within a few days!

Two great options are java moss and tomentosum. These will offer you an intimate and cozy atmosphere, but will not whet your appetite.

A large amount of driftwood and rocks are also useful. Although silver dollarfish spend most of their time in the top half of the tank, they will still appreciate having places to hide.

A gravel substrate is ideal as it perfectly mimics the riverbeds in their natural habitat. Dark gravel is preferable.

Author’s Note: It is wise to use one or two power heads to achieve the ideal water flow. This will help enrich the water with an adequate amount of oxygen for your silver dollar fish to thrive.

Common possible diseases

There are no species-specific diseases to worry about when creating a silver dollar fish care plan. These fish are very durable and hardy, which can give you a sigh of relief as an owner.

However, this does not mean that they cannot get sick. Silver dollar fish can get many of the same common diseases as other freshwater fish if you don’t take care of them (like I did).

The most effective way to avoid this is to take water quality, diet, and stress management very seriously. All of these play an important role in the health of your fish and keeping them in check will greatly reduce the risk of them getting sick.

Food & Nutrition

The diet of silver dollar fish can be a bit confusing at first. Although these fish are technically omnivores, they spend most of their time eating plants.

You have many choices when it comes to your favorite plant-based food source. Some of our favorites are:

seaweed waffles

Plant-based flakes

cucumbers

Peas

lettuce

Other leafy greens

seaweed

They will also appreciate the occasional mosquito larvae and brine shrimp treats, but these should be fed on an infrequent basis.

The standard feeding schedule for silver dollar fish is very convenient. These fish do well on a twice-daily schedule, which is much more convenient than the 3-4 daily feeding sessions that some other species require.

Behavior & Temperament

Silver dollar fish are very pleasant fish to keep. They are calm, non-aggressive and quite active.

You will almost never see them show any sort of aggression toward each other or other fish in your tank. This makes them a great community fish that you don’t have to worry about.

Because they form schools of fish, you can always see them swimming with their buddies. It is rare to catch one lying in wait alone as this will make them very shy and nervous.

These fish spend most of their time in the top half of your tank. This can make for some great matings with other species spending their time in the middle or at the bottom of tanks.

Author’s Note: Since the Silver Dollarfish is a top-living creature, make sure you have a sturdy tank cap. They are known to jump!

Silver Dollar Fish Tank Mates & Compatibility

There are many critters that make great silver dollar aquarium mates due to their gentle natures. Most of the time, these fish just want to go about their business and find plants to nibble on!

Peaceful bottom fish usually get along well with silver dollars as they spend most of their time in the upper half of the tank. This means that not only will both species not want to fight, they will not even be close!

Some of our favorites in this category are Bristle and Clown Catfish. Cow loaches and mailed catfish also make good silver dollar aquarium mates.

There are a number of cichlids that also make great tank mates. The Oscar Fish, Red Empress, and Blue Dolphin are all strong cichlid pairings.

Because of their size and durability, you have many options when it comes to finding a silver dollarfish tankmate. Just because you don’t see it on our list above doesn’t mean it’s not compatible! If they have similar water requirements and aren’t aggressive, they can probably work!

Author’s Note: Fish that are super small may not work as silver dollar aquarium mates. Silver dollars are big and might keep them for a snack! This means that bettas and neon tetras are not an option.

breed

Breeding silver dollar fish is fairly easy once you have identified a compatible mating pair.

You will need a grow tank that is somewhere in the 40 to 50 gallon range. The water temperature and pH should be at the high end of their normal range to encourage the process.

Floating plants are also a necessary addition to the breeding tank. This mimics their natural environment and makes the fish believe they are in an acceptable place to spawn.

The eggs that the female produces will fall on the substrate and the parents will not take much care of them after that. This might seem a bit strange as these are fish that prefer to be close to the water surface but so far it has worked for them!

After a few days, the eggs hatch and you need to feed them foods like plankton and small flakes to support their growth.

Tie everything together

The silver dollar fish is one of our all-time favorite freshwater fish. They are unique, fun to look at, peaceful and very low maintenance!

Taking care of them is a fun experience that anyone can handle once they know what to do (which this guide has taken care of). Also because of their long lifespan, you will likely have these fish for quite a while as long as you provide them with a healthy aquarium to live in.

If you have additional silver dollarfish care questions that we haven’t covered in this guide, please let us know. We want to make sure these resources are as useful as possible!

Common name for several species of fish

Silver dollar is a common name for a number of species of fish, primarily in the genus Metynnis, tropical fish belonging to the family Characidae and closely related to piranha and pacu. These somewhat plump silverfish are native to South America and popular with hobby fishermen.

The silver dollar is a peaceful shoal species that spends most of its time in the mid to upper water tier. Its average lifespan is more than ten years, but it can live longer in captivity. A chin layer [clarification needed], the adult fish will spawn about 2,000 eggs. This breeding takes place in soft, warm water under low light.

Silver dollars originally live in a tropical climate on the sides of herbaceous rivers. They prefer water with a pH of 5-7, a water hardness of up to 15 dGH and an ideal temperature range of 24-28°C (75-82°F). Their diet is almost entirely vegetarian and in captivity they will often eat all the plants in a tank. They also eat worms and small insects.

Fish compatibility[edit]

The silver dollar is listed as semi-aggressive, but some silver dollars can be very soft. These fish can be kept in community tanks with fish that won’t fit in their mouths and when fully grown can be kept with larger fish such as oscars, pike and larger catfish.

breeding [edit]

An 1865 watercolor of a silver dollar by Jacques Burkhardt.

The best way to acquire a breeding pair is to purchase half a dozen juvenile silver dollars and raise them together. The parents will not consume the eggs or the fry, although other fish will do so. So when you spawn them, it is advisable to put them in a separate tank. To facilitate spawning, make sure the water is soft (8 dgH or below) and warm (80 to 82 F), keep lighting low, and provide fine-leaved plants.

Eventually a pair will spawn and the female will lay up to 2000 eggs. The eggs fall to the bottom of the tank, where they hatch in three days. After about a week, the juveniles are free-swimming and ready to eat fine foods such as commercially prepared fry food, finely chopped spirulina, or newly hatched artemia.

Types of silver dollars [ edit ]

Hard bellies are silvery and somewhat transparent; They are the most common species.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

If you are a fish farmer with some experience and looking to add to your fish collection, Silver Dollar Fish could be the fish for you.

They are peaceful medium sized fish, ideal for community aquariums.

These silvery colored fish get their name from their appearance. Flattened on the sides, they look just like an old silver dollar.

If you are looking for schooling fish above the water, they are one of the best options. Read on to learn how to successfully take care of them, breed them and much more…

Silver Dollarfish Facts and Overview

Category Rating Care Level: Advanced Temperament: Peaceful Color Shape: Silver Lifespan: 10 years Size: 6 inches Diet: Omnivore Family: Characidae Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons Tank Build: Freshwater Compatibility: Large peaceful fish

Silver dollar fish, Metynnis argenteus, get their name from their appearance. They are large silvery fish native to South American rivers.

They belong to the Characidae family, the same family as piranha and pacus. However, unlike their more aggressive relatives, they are peaceful herbivores, perfect for large community aquariums.

Silver dollar is a common name for a number of different species in the genus Metynnis.

Their scientific name describes the fish perfectly. Metynnis, meaning “with ploughshare,” referring to the laterally flattened body, and argenteus, meaning “covered with silver.”

They are fairly hardy fish and can live about 10 years with good care.

You can easily find them in pet stores and online for a modest price. Because they are best kept in groups, they are usually sold in large quantities.

Typical behavior

They are large, peaceful schooling fish that need plenty of room to swim. You should keep them in a group of at least 5 people. They can be quite shy and withdrawn when kept alone.

Interestingly, they are pelagic fish, meaning they spend most of their time swimming close to the water’s surface. They startle easily and jump out of the tank.

While they are peaceful fish, they can be aggressive during feeding time and will chase each other in the tank.

Looks

As the name suggests, they look like an old silver dollar. They have a round body that is flattened at the sides.

Silver dollarfish is a generic term that refers to several species of tetra. Metynnis hypsauchen and Metynnis argenteus are two popular species and they look very similar.

The only way to tell the difference between these species is by the black spots behind the eyes and on the body of M. hypsauchen.

Another species common in the aquarium trade is the Red Hook Silver Dollar (Myleus rubripinnis). They can be recognized by their different coloring and fin shape.

Spotted Silver Dollarfish

As the name suggests, the Spotted Silver Dollar Fish can be identified by the silvery base color and black dots on its body. They are found in Brazil and French Guiana and can reach up to 6.5 inches.

Red Hook Silver Dollar Fish

This fish has a distinctive black-trimmed red anal fin. Its coloration is much more distinct than other silver dollar fish.

They can reach 22 inches in the wild and up to 9 inches in aquariums.

Habitat and tank conditions

Silver dollar fish are native to South America.

The water here is dark and filled with peat. You will also have gravel and rocks with dense vegetation and plenty of hiding places. The rivers they live in are often full of debris such as driftwood, large rocks, and weeds.

As for the currents, the water flow here will be moderate.

Silver Dollar Aquarium Setup

Silver Dollars are tropical freshwater fish – the tank should mimic their natural environment as much as possible.

They mainly swim in the middle and upper part of the water column and therefore need open areas to swim.

These fish are fairly hardy and have some tolerance to varying water conditions. You need clean and well-oxygenated water with a good filtration system and moderate current. A few powerheads can be used to help with water movement and oxygenation.

Make sure you don’t use glass powerheads though, as your Silver Dollars are very active and could easily break the powerhead.

They are nervous fish that prefer subdued lighting and a dark background. We recommend using dark gravel as a base. They need a lot of clearance, but also some hiding spots at the back and sides of the tank (you can build these with big rocks and driftwood).

As they are herbivores you should only keep plants that are not very palatable; Try java fern and tomentosum. The alternative is to use artificial plants.

The temperature of the water should be maintained between 75-82°F with a pH of 5.5-7.5. They have a flexible water hardness between 4-18 dGH.

What size aquarium do you need?

Silver Dollars need at least 75 gallons. This is the minimum tank size for a 5 person school.

Allow 10 gallons of water for each additional fish you add.

tankmates

Silver dollar fish are large peaceful and active fish.

These fish are great community fish that swim in the upper part of the aquarium. If you want to add some contrast you can keep an eye out for other large peaceful fish like catfish that spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank. Plecos and Doradids might be good fish to start with.

Other ideal aquarium companions are peaceful South and Central American cichlids such as freshwater angelfish, firemouth cichlids and green frightened cichlids. Giant Danios, Pacus, and Anostomus are also good tank companions.

We do not advise keeping your Silver Dollars with smaller fish such as gouramis, bettas and tetras as they could be eaten.

Shrimp and snails can be a good addition; However, they could also be eaten.

Keeping Silver Dollar Fish Together

Silver dollars are at their best when kept together. They are schooling fish, so they feel safer and more protected in a group.

You should aim to keep them in a group of at least 5 people.

diet

Silver dollars are actually omnivores; However, they prefer a herbivorous diet. In the wild, they usually feed on surrounding vegetation, including terrestrial plants.

You can feed them a variety of plants such as lettuce, watercress, chickweed, cucumber, peas and spring greens. You can also feed them seaweed like spirulina along with large flakes of vegetables.

Spinach, carrots, and fruit can also be used as an alternative food source.

You’ll appreciate random treats like mosquito larvae, artemia, and boiled potatoes.

Herbivorous fish play an important role in all major environments worldwide. Both freshwater and marine herbivorous fish help control the community structures of certain habitats.

By feeding on the surrounding vegetation, they prevent algae or coral from overgrowing and stealing all the nutrients from the surrounding waters. They help maintain a healthy and stable environment by grazing on the surrounding plants.

You should feed your Silver Dollars twice a day and only offer enough food that they can be consumed in 3 minutes or less at each feeding.

Care

Silver dollars are pretty hardy fish.

Because aquariums are closed systems, pollutants such as nitrate, phosphorus, and decomposing organic matter accumulate over time.

For this reason, the water should be changed regularly and at least 25-50% of the water every two weeks.

While Silver Dollars are fairly resilient fish, there is no guarantee your fish will not contract disease or infection. Keep in mind that every time you add something new to your tank, it’s a potential source of infection.

A clean pool of water, a balanced diet, and an environment that most closely resembles natural habitats will help your fish settle in and make them a healthy, happy fish.

One of the most common diseases affecting ornamental fish is an ectoparasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis – better known as white spot disease or ich. Your fish will begin to develop white spots on its gills, fins, or scales.

This protozoan life cycle is highly dependent on water temperature. Higher water temperatures above 77°F affect the different life stages and help prevent an eruption.

breed

Silver Dollars are relatively easy to spawn in captivity, provided they have a large, comfortable environment. In the wild, they spawn in shallow waters and in heavily planted areas of flooded rivers.

You need a mated pair first.

For the best success in finding breeding pairs, always keep them in a group and raise them from hatchlings to maturity. This fish usually matures at around 1 year of age (about 4 inches long).

If you have a pair, consider separating them from the rest of the school. You can also prepare males and females for spawning by feeding them quality plants and vegetables. When males are ready to spawn, their color darkens, especially around the anal, caudal, and dorsal fins.

For a successful spawn, get a separate shallow tank of at least 40 gallons of soft, warm water. Maintain temperatures around 24-26°C, pH 6.0-7.0 and water hardness 4-8 dGH.

You can ensure a gentle flow of water by using an air-powered sponge filter.

Dim light, soft patches of java moss and floating plants on the surface help in breeding. The males start chasing the females in the aquarium. When the females are ready to spawn, they release the eggs near or on the floating plant and the male fertilizes them.

The female can produce up to 2000 eggs, transparent and slightly yellow. These sink to the ground.

It is easier to raise the young without the parents, but Silver Dollars generally do not eat their young. The eggs hatch in about 3 days and the young swim freely after 6-9 days.

You can feed the fry infusoria-type foods until they can eat larger things like small plankton, artemia nauplii, and vegetable flakes. Fry will reach adult size in about 6-8 months.

Are silver dollar fish right for your aquarium?

Silver dollars are hardy tropical freshwater fish. They are large peaceful schooling fish that are the perfect addition if you want a large fish community aquarium.

When kept alone they can be quite shy and do best when kept together.

Their name, Silver Dollars, is a fairly generic name, referring to various Metynnis species that vary in color and size.

They are best suited for aquarists with some previous experience. They will eat anything you give them, but prefer plants and vegetables.

A silver dollar for your thoughts? Leave a comment in the section below…

Silver dollar fish are pretty decent fish, and they can come in a variety of colors, not just silver. Just like any other fish you may have at home, these fish need to be fed the right food.

What is interesting is that although silver dollar fish have sharp teeth and are closely related to other carnivorous fish, they tend to be strictly vegetarian.

Here’s our guide to the best foods for Silver Dollar meals, along with some general information on feeding and nutrition.

Quick comparison of our favourites:

Image Product Details Best New Life Spectrum Pellets Balanced nutrition Improves fish color Easy to digest CHECK PRICE Cichlid flakes Supports the immune system Contains proteins and vitamins Lightens colors PRICE PRICE Alga Wafers Slow sinking Does not cloud the water Good for occasional snacking PRICE PRICE Spirulina Flakes Fuller Vitamins, Amino Acids & Fatty Acids Popular with Silver Dollar Fish Boosts Immune System CHECK PRICE

5 Best Foods For Silver Dollar Fish:

1. New Life Spectrum Pellets

These are some pellets designed to sink fairly quickly, ideal for silver dollar fish. These flakes are made from a blend of natural ingredients, including many ingredients.

This stuff is made from a variety of fruits, vegetables, plants, seaweed, seaweed, kelp, and other plants. It also contains some animal protein from krill, squid, clams, fish and other seafood/fish.

This formula is designed to enhance the colors that silver dollar fish need. In addition, this balanced diet also helps support a healthy immune system and good overall health.

This formula is also designed to be very easy to digest for maximum nutrient absorption.

Benefits Natural ingredients and lots of nutrients

Natural ingredients and lots of nutrients Designed to sink fast

Designed to sink fast. Easily digestible

Easily digestible Improves colors and supports health Disadvantages Too large for some fish

Too big for some fish May not sink perfectly

2. Cichlid flakes

Although these flakes are technically made for cichlids, they can also be used for silver dollar fish.

The main ingredients in these flakes are seaweed, fishmeal, garlic and about 50 other plants, vegetables, minerals, vitamins and proteins.

Simply put, these cichlid flakes will provide your silver dollarfish with a balanced diet and everything it needs to be happy and healthy.

This is considered an all-around super food for fish as it helps brighten colours, supports a healthy immune system and provides a nutritionally complete meal every time.

Per nutritionally complete meal

Nutritionally complete meal. Supports the immune system and brightens colors

Supports the immune system and brightens colors. Contains minerals, vitamins and proteins Cons Designed for cichlids

Designed for cichlids May cloud water

3. Seaweed Waffles

Yes, silver dollar fish love to eat algae, which makes these seaweed waffles a great choice.

Now, these shouldn’t be used for every single meal, but once a day or every few days is fine. These are very small waffles, called micro waffles, which makes them easy to eat and digest.

They sink slowly, also ideal for silver dollar fish. These seaweed waffles will provide your silver dollar fish with plenty of vitamins and minerals, and they’re also packed with protein.

They make a great daily snack and are designed not to cloud the water.

Advantages Slowly sinking

Slow sinking Easy to eat and digest

Easy to eat and digest Does not cloud water Cons Should not be used for every meal

Should not be used for every meal. May be too harsh for some fish

4. Spirulina Flakes

Spirulina flakes are actually great for feeding silver dollar fish. Spirulina is green-blue plankton that is very popular among silver dollar fish. This stuff contains high amounts of vitamins A1, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E. It also contains beta-carotene and other color-enhancing pigments to ensure a vibrant coloration.

It also contains 8 different amino acids and fatty acids to ensure a balanced diet.

In terms of providing complete nutrition, enhancing color, boosting the immune system, and simply being a tasty snack that silver dollar fish love, these spirulina flakes are great on all of those fronts.

Benefits Balanced diet with amino acids and fatty acids

Balanced diet with amino acids and fatty acids Strengthens the immune system

Boosts the immune system Packed with vitamins Cons Container can be difficult to open

Containers can be difficult to open Expensive

5. Romaine Lettuce

Silver dollar fish really love romaine lettuce, and it’s healthy too. Packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals, romaine lettuce is easy to digest and also helps boost immunity.

Remember that romaine lettuce should be blanched in boiling water for a few minutes to break down the fibrous tissue, making it much easier to digest. Tear it up into small pieces and place them in the tank.

Benefits Packed with vitamins and minerals

Packed with vitamins and minerals. Easy to find and inexpensive

Easy to find and inexpensive Good for digestion Cons Must be blanched and shredded before feeding

Must be blanched and shredded before feeding. Cannot be stored long term

Silver Dollar Fish Diet Basics

Silver dollar fish are not overly picky eaters, but you do need to feed them the right food. What’s really funny is that silver dollar fish belong to the same family of fish as piranhas.

However, unlike piranhas, which are exclusively carnivores, silver dollar fish are virtually 100% vegetarian.

Now, despite being primarily vegetarian, they occasionally enjoy meaty treats. Things like bloodworms, artemia, and bloodworms make for good meaty treats.

When it comes to plant-based and plant-based foods, things like seaweed and seaweed flakes, vegetable flakes, spirulina flakes, as well as lettuce, watercress, and cooked romaine or spinach are also good choices.

What Do Silver Dollar Fish Eat in the Wild?

In the wild, silver dollar fish will eat almost any plant material, and they also enjoy algae, various aquatic plants, and vegetables.

Do silver dollars have teeth?

Yes, silver dollar fish have teeth. They actually have quite large and sharp teeth for their size. They might not look like much, but they can definitely cause damage.

These fish are actually known to be quite aggressive and will destroy all types of aquarium plants (here are some safe plant options).

If they’re feeling threatened, if they feel like they’ve trespassed on their territory, or you just have a temperamental fish, these guys can be very aggressive. They often attack other smaller fish, often injuring them with those sharp teeth.

How Often Do You Feed Silver Dollar Fish?

Silver dollar fish are very voracious eaters in the wild and will eat constantly. They constantly eat plants, insects and small aquatic animals.

These are hungry fish and they need to be fed a lot and often. Silver dollar fish should be fed two to three times a day, as much as they can eat in 3 to 5 minutes.

While technically possible, overfeeding silver dollar fish is much more difficult than many other aquarium fish.

Due to the fact that these fish need to be fed very often, many people choose an automatic feeder.

Conclusion

The fact is, as long as you feed your silver dollar fish plenty of vegetable pellets and flakes, an algae waffle here and there, some fresh or cooked veggies, and the occasional meaty treat, they’ll be happy and healthy. While they eat quite a lot, they certainly aren’t the least bit picky.

Credit: Darko Cvetanoski, Shutterstock

Silver dollar fish get their name from their thin, flat, and silvery appearance. These fish, although related to the piranha, are very peaceful community fish that do well in schools of six or more. Breeding silver dollar fish can be tricky, but if you can manipulate the right conditions, these fish can lay up to 2000 eggs at a time. Red more to learn how to breed silver dollar fish in home aquarium.

About silver dollar fish

The silver dollarfish is native to South America and although this fish is named after a small coin, it can grow to over 15cm in length. Silver dollar fish make great community fish and they thrive in schools of six or more because they tend to be shy fish and feel safer in a school. Although silver dollar fish are generally friendly to other fish, they can be very aggressive feeders. Silver dollar fish are almost exclusively vegetarian and due to this tendency will often feed on live plants in an aquarium. Aside from plants, however, these fish will readily consume a variety of flake, pellet, freeze-dried, and frozen fish foods.

Silver Dollar Tank Requirements

Silver dollar fish are typically peaceful in the home aquarium and are generally easy to care for. Because this fish can grow up to 6 inches long, it should be kept in a tank that is at least 30 gallons, especially if you plan on keeping it in a school. The ideal temperature range for a silver dollar aquarium is between 72° and 77°F with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0. Silver dollarfish should be offered a varied diet, including flake food to provide a staple diet, supplemented with fresh vegetables and seaweed waffles. If you keep your silver dollarfish in a tank with other fish, you may need to be careful not to let more aggressive feeders like tetras and barbs stop your silver dollarfish from getting their share of the food.

preparation for breeding

As with many fish, there are no overtly obvious means of distinguishing between a male and female silver dollarfish. The only way to determine a silver dollar’s sex is to examine the anal fin. In a male silver dollarfish, the anal fin may be slightly longer and also colored red. Since silver dollar fish are difficult to sex, the best way to prepare for breeding is to purchase six or more fry and raise them together. This allows the young fish to grow together and form bonds with other fish and form breeding pairs.

Once the fish have reached sexual maturity set up a separate rearing tank and, if you wish, a separate tank to raise the fry. The grow tank should be dimly lit and kept at a temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Silver dollarfish are generally tolerant of varying water qualities, but they do best in a slightly acidic tank with soft water, 8 dgH or less. These fish also prefer subdued lighting in the breeding tank.

Unlike many layers of eggs, silver dollarfish don’t build foam nests, so it’s best to fill the breeding tank with fine-leaved plants. These plants provide shelter for the eggs and can also serve as a food source for the adult fish and the fry as they grow. However, you should keep in mind that silver dollar fish tend to have a voracious diet on plants. In this case you should store fast growing plants or use artificial plants in your grow tank. However, if you don’t plan on keeping the adults in the breeding tank after spawning, you might be able to get away with more traditional tropical plants.

breeding and spawning

As previously mentioned, silver dollar fish are an egg-laying species of fish. When the female lays eggs, she lays up to 2000 at a time, and the male then fertilizes them. During breeding, the male will usually chase the female around for a while until she allows him to come alongside her. The male will then flick his body against hers, releasing his sperm at the same moment she begins to release her eggs. In some cases, the male may wrap his body around that of the female and fertilize the eggs as they are released. Because silver dollarfish are herbivores, they don’t tend to eat their own eggs, so it’s safe to keep the adults with the eggs in the tank if you choose to do so.

After about three days, the fry will hatch and start swimming around the tank. Like all juvenile fish, newly hatched silver dollar fish must be fed very fine foods such as brine shrimp, crushed spirulina, or specially formulated brood food. If you feed the fry regularly for the first few days of life, they will grow quickly and have a greater chance of developing into healthy adults. Juvenile fish that are not adequately fed in the first few days after hatching often show stunted growth and may never reach full size at maturity.

Although breeding silver dollar fish can be difficult at times, it is well worth the effort. Not only are these fish uniquely beautiful, but they make a great addition to the community tank. Silver dollar fish will not anger other fish species, and they will not eat the eggs or fry of other fish in your tank. Note, however, that these fish are voracious herbivores. So if you plan on keeping them in your aquarium, be sure to use either plastic plants or more hardy types of live plants.

Conclusion

While Silver Dollars are very cool and popular fish, plant tolerance is one of the major frustrations as these fish are often referred to as aquatic goats, and with very good reason!

But fear not, fallen silver dollar fans, it’s certainly possible to have a planted tank with these fish, you just have to choose the right plant species.

Today we want to help you with some suggestions on what we think are the best plants for silver dollarfish and answer some frequently asked questions.

A quick look at our favourites

Product Image Details Best water lettuce Can survive if the roots are eaten Breeds quickly Bright green plants that flower PRICE PRICE Water Sprite Fast growth rate Ideal for oxygenating the water Breeds easily PRICE PRICE Tomentosum Low maintenance Excellent for water purity Moderate growth rate PRICE PRICE Java Fern Die most fish do not find this plant appetizing. Minimal grooming and pruning. Broad leaves provide protection for fish

The 6 Best Plants For Silver Dollarfish – Reviews 2022

Here we have 6 plants that are ideal for silver dollar fish, plants that have the best chance of not being eaten for long periods of time.

Keep in mind folks there is no guarantee that the silver dollar fish won’t eat these plants as they can try to eat anything and everything green, but these are the plants that we think have a good chance of surviving;

1. Water lettuce

Maintenance level: Easy Light: Moderate Subsoil: None

Water lettuce is undoubtedly one of the best plants for a silver dollar aquarium. First off, it’s a floating plant, the first thing that should help protect it from silver dollar fish.

Second, these plants have very tough and thick leaves, which should also ensure silver dollar fish don’t eat them.

Aside from being relatively safe from the mouths of silver dollar fish, these plants also look quite pretty, reaching a few centimeters in diameter and boasting a dense cluster of light green leaves.

Fish generally like water lettuce as it helps provide a little shade and protection from the world over which silver dollar fish appreciate. It is of course a handy plant as it is a floating plant which means it does not need any substrate or roots.

Also, it grows quite slowly and doesn’t multiply quickly either, making maintenance more or less non-existent. Finally, this plant can survive well in the same water conditions as silver dollar fish.

Rating Goldfish Proof Score: 90%

Water purification value: 95% Benefits Can survive if roots are eaten

Spreads fast

Light green plants in bloom

Excellent for water purity

Creates shadows in the tank

2. Aquarius

Level of care: Easy Light: Low to high Subsoil: Gravel, sand, aquasoil

Aquarius is another good plant option for Silver Dollars. One reason for this is that it can be grown as a floating plant, tied to rocks or driftwood, and can also be planted in gravel substrate, making it very versatile in that sense. It’s best to use it as a floating plant if you don’t want your fish to eat it.

Although silver dollar fish can nibble on these plants a bit, they have very tough stems. Even if they eat the small leaves, they should leave the roots and the rest of the plant alone.

It’s also worth noting that water spirits grow extremely quickly. So if silver dollars eat it up, it should grow back quickly enough to be relatively unaffected.

Now, aquatic sprites require quite a bit of lighting, but you should have decent light for your silver dollar aquarium either way.

Also, this plant will survive well under the same tank conditions and water parameters as Silver Dollars. It’s a good looking plant that adds some greenery to the mix, helps generate some oxygen, and doesn’t require much attention either.

Rating Goldfish Proof Score: 85%

Water purification factor: 90% Benefits Can be planted or floated in substrate

Hard stalks are difficult for fish to eat

Fast growth rate

Ideal for oxygenating the water

Breeds easily

3. Hornwort

Care level: Easy Light: Moderate Substrate: Any, none

Hornwort is another plant that can be rooted in the substrate, tied to rocks or driftwood, and also grown floating. Yes, to avoid being eaten by silver dollar fish, it is best to breed them to swim.

In addition, it also makes it easier for you to grow them floating instead of having them rooted. Next, tomentosum resembles the branches of a pine tree in the sense that the leaves aren’t like leaves at all, more like tough little needles, so your silver dollarfish shouldn’t be too inclined to eat it.

Hornwort has a moderate growth rate, so even if your silver dollars try to nibble on it, it should regrow fast enough to be more or less unaffected.

Hornwort is also a very low-maintenance plant, as it doesn’t need any additional lighting to what you already have, nor do you need to provide it with CO2.

Also, this plant will do well in the same tank conditions and water parameters that your silver dollar fish need to survive.

Rating Goldfish Proof Score: 99%

Water purification factor: 100% Benefits Low maintenance

Can be planted in substrate or grown floating

Fish are unlikely to eat the prickly, prickly leaves

Excellent for water purity

Medium growth rate

4. Java fern

Maintenance level: Easy Light: Low to medium Subsoil: Driftwood, porous rock

Okay, so this is one of the few plants on today’s list that isn’t a floating plant, nor should it be rooted in the substrate.

Now, that’s not the best when it comes to silver dollar fish and their appetites, but since the java fern should be tied to rocks or driftwood, at least your silver dollar fish won’t be able to uproot it.

However, Java ferns are not a fan favorite for silver dollar fish either. No, its leaves aren’t particularly tough, but for one reason or another these fish don’t like to eat this plant. It might have something to do with taste.

It’s quite thankful that silver dollars don’t like to eat java ferns, as this is a slow-growing plant. Slow growth is ideal because it means it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.

This plant can grow up to 25cm tall, making it a good background or midground plant for silver dollar aquariums.

The leaves are large and wide, so they offer some protection. This plant can easily survive in the same tank conditions and water parameters as silver dollar fish, and doesn’t need too much lighting either.

Rating Goldfish Proof Score: 99%

Water purification value: 35% Benefits Cannot be uprooted as it sticks to surfaces

Most fish do not find this plant appetizing

Minimal maintenance and pruning

Broad leaves provide shelter for fish

5. Java moss

Care level: easy Light: low to high Subsoil: driftwood, porous rock, sand, gravel

Java moss isn’t a floating plant either, and it’s another one that’s best attached to rocks and driftwood. For one thing, being attached to something inside the tank means silver dollar fish at least can’t rip it out.

Silver dollar fish are now known to snack on java moss. However, they tend to eat the longer threads that grow out of it, rather than eating the bushy main growth.

Although java moss doesn’t need a lot of light, it will grow very quickly when given a lot of light, so should be relatively unaffected by a hungry silver dollarfish.

The good thing about java moss is that it is a very hardy and low-maintenance plant. Put simply, it requires little maintenance, especially when some fish are picking at it.

It requires neither CO2 nor special care. Well this stuff makes a great addition to most freshwater aquariums as it forms an incredibly green and dense carpet over anything it is attached to making it a great foreground and midground plant.

Rating Goldfish Proof Score: 80%

Water purification factor: 75% Benefits Minimal maintenance and pruning in low light

Can grow on most hard surfaces

Can regrow from tiny pieces

Makes a great moss carpet or wall

6. Frog bite

Maintenance level: Easy Light: Moderate Subsoil: None

Here we come back to floating plants, which of course are more than ideal for silver dollar aquariums. Again, floating plants like frog bite are by far the best options for these fish as they tend to avoid floating plants.

Well, even if your silver dollar fish eats some frog bites, this stuff grows like weeds and multiplies insanely fast. So if your silver dollars munch on it, it will grow back fast enough that it doesn’t make a difference.

Silver dollars can also appreciate some cover from above thanks to Frog Bite. The beauty of frog bites is that they grow like weeds, which means they grow and multiply quickly.

Normally this would not be ideal as it tends to cover the surface of aquariums from side to side. In general, this would mean a lot of grooming for you, but if your silver dollarfish enjoys eating it, you can let them do the grooming for you!

That being said, although frog bite appreciates lots of light, getting extra lights isn’t necessary, and this plant will survive just fine in the same water conditions and parameters as the silver dollar fish.

Rating Goldfish Proof Score: 40%

Water Purification Rating: 90% Benefits Will quickly regrow if partially eaten

It is unlikely to be eaten by silver dollar fish

Provides shade for the lower areas of the tank

Can thrive in low light

Do silver dollar fish eat plants?

Yes, the unfortunate reality of trying to have solver dollar fish in the same tank with plants is that these fish love to eat plants, which is why they are often referred to as “aquatic goats” in the aquarium world.

Most people will tell you that any plants placed in a silver dollar aquarium will at least be nibbled on, and for the most part silver dollar fish will eat the plants immediately.

These fish will eat entire plants from top to bottom, even going so far as to tear aquarium plants out of the substrate in order to eat them.

What Plants Do Silver Dollar Fish Avoid?

Once again, the unfortunate reality is that silver dollar fish will eat most aquarium plants. Well, some of the plants you might want to avoid include anything with really tough and hard leaves.

Now they may even attempt to eat tough-leaved plants, as they are voracious eaters and prefer a herbivorous diet of plants.

For one reason or another, silver dollar fish also tend to avoid floating plants. These fish don’t like to be near the surface of the water, preferring to stay in the middle or at the bottom of the water column.

Floating plants are harder for silver dollar fish to grab. Therefore, the best choices in terms of suitable aquarium plants for silver dollar fish are anything that floats and is not rooted, as well as plants with tough leaves.

What plants should I avoid adding to my Silver Dollar tank

Okay, so there are a few plants that are ideal for silver dollar aquariums, but there are also some that aren’t.

Here are some plants you shouldn’t put in silver dollar pools, primarily because they will be eaten, but for other reasons as well.

Moneyroot

Moneywort Scarlet Temple

Scarlet Temple Acorus

Acorus Green Mondo grass

Green Mondo Grass Vallisneria

Vallisneria Red Ludwigia

Red Ludwigia moss balls

Moss Balls Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Cryptocoryne Wendtii Ammannia Gracilis

Ammannia Gracili’s Micro Sword

Micro Sword Dwarf Hairgrass

Dwarf hairgrass Anubias Nana

Should I Consider Buying Plastic Plants?

Yes, there are many out there who are noticing that silver dollar fish will eat whatever plants they have put in their tanks. Therefore, many people recommend buying plastic plants for silver dollar aquariums.

Put simply, silver dollar fish cannot and will not eat plastic plants. Of course, plastic plants don’t offer any filtration and oxygenation, they don’t actually grow and they don’t look that pretty, but they also don’t require nutrients, light or care of any kind and yes, they are safe from being eaten by all fish.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that silver dollar fish aren’t the best creatures if you want to have lots of plants. Well, these fish need and like plants, so you can’t just leave a silver dollar tank without greenery.

However, there are some decent plants that these fish aren’t particularly fond of eating, with the best choices being floating plants and really hardy plants, preferably a combination of the two.

Selected image source: boban_nz, Shutterstock

Interesting facts about silver dollar fish

What species of animal is a silver dollar fish?

A silver dollar (Metynnis argenteus) is one of the species of fish that is very closely related to the piranha family and can be dangerous as they have really sharp teeth. They are also the quietest members of the piranha family. The scientific name of the species is Metynnis argentus while the common name is silver dollar. Silver dollar is one of the most popular species of fish that makes a great companion fish and is best suited to both home and community tanks.

What animal class does a silver dollarfish belong to?

Silver dollar fish (Metynnis argenteus) belong to the class Actinopterygii and the family Characidae. They are closely related to the piranha or pacu fish family. It is a schooling fish species that can thrive in normal water conditions.

How many silver dollar fish are there in the world?

Silver dollar fish are known to live in tropical waters that offer rich vegetation and plantations that serve as food for these fish. It is practically impossible to find out the number of silver dollar fish in this world, but they are far from extinct and have large populations, especially in South America. Silver dollars also reproduce very quickly and have been known to lay around 2000 eggs at a time, helping to keep their population nearly intact.

Where does a silver dollar fish live?

Silver dollar species (Metynnis argenteus) are abundant in South America. Silver dollars are also one of the most common and popular aquarium fish around the world. They are suitable as ornamental fish and are also found in the wild. It is a freshwater fish found in the Amazon basin, Tapajos river basin in Brazil and endemic to almost all rivers in South America.

What is the habitat of a silver dollar?

Silver dollar fish are known to adapt best to warm tropical rivers rich in vegetation and plantations, serving them enough to feed on them throughout their lives. These are freshwater fish found on dark edges of rivers filled with debris, rocks, stones, gravel, and driftwood, which allows them to hide easily and effectively. Their natural habitat includes a moderate water flow with a warm temperature.

Who Do Silver Dollar Fish Live With?

Silver dollar (Metynnis argenteus) is a species of schooling fish known to perform best when kept in groups. Silver Dollars are a community fish and are known to be best kept in groups of around five individual members as this makes them feel more secure and protected.

How Long Does a Silver Dollar Fish Live?

The lifespan of spotted silver dollarfish is said to average around ten years, but they can live longer. If attention is paid to silver dollars, these fish are also among the more long-lived fish in the aquarium. However, in the wild, the life expectancy of the silver dollar (Metynnis argenteus) is significantly reduced as it can be easy prey for other larger fish and reptiles.

How do they reproduce?

Males and females of the silver dollar (Metynnis hypsauchen) reach sexual maturity at about a year of age, or when they are about 10 cm long. Male silver dollarfish will spawn and prey on female dollarfish for breeding. Females lay eggs in water, which are later fertilized by males. The eggs hatch in three days, and young silver dollar fish are able to swim about six to nine months after birth. This species of fish sometimes breeds in a hospital, aquarium, or a nursery with floating plants.

What is their conservation status?

Silver dollar fish are almost known to have about sixteen different species that are far from extinct. This is also because these are rarely caught by humans for food or other purposes, and they also lay around 2000 eggs at a time, helping to keep their population close to intact. But there are various silver dollarfish diseases that are affecting their populations in the wild. Nonetheless, her official status was listed as Least Concern.

Silver Dollar Fish Fun Facts

What Do Silver Dollar Fish Look Like?

As the name suggests, a silver dollar fish resembles a silver dollar coin. These fish have round, silver-colored, flattened bodies that average about 15 cm in length. Although silver dollars are silver toned, they have slight flecks or hints of green and blue that can be seen in red lighting. Both male and female species of silver dollarfish are largely identical, but can be distinguished by their fins, as males have large fins compared to females. All species have different appearances and coloring.

how cute are they

Silver dollar fish are truly innocent and very popular among aquarium fish due to their striking color and features. Silver dollars are really cute and do not threaten or feed on other fish, unlike their closely related families of piranha and pacu. If you are thinking of getting an aquarium with silver dollar fish, then you must first acquire knowledge about the most suitable aquarium mates and other things about silver dollar fish care.

How do they communicate?

One of the most common behaviors of red hook silver dollarfish is that they will hunt one another. This is a sign of communication as well as breeding.

How big is a silver dollar fish?

Silver dollar fish size is perfect for aquariums. With medium-sized bodies and no aggressive behavior toward other fish, silver dollars are easily handled by their humans. A silver dollar fish is known to have an average length of 15 cm and can grow even longer. Silver dollar fish are typically twice the size of regular fish such as goldfish.

How fast can a silver dollar fish swim?

Silver dollar fish are really quick and fast compared to other fish. Silver Dollars are also very prone to eating all of the food in the aquarium and have the ability to gorge themselves.

How much does a silver dollar fish weigh?

Silver dollar fish are easy to keep and are among the smaller fish. Your adult size is 0.9 kg maximum.

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no specific names for the male and female silver dollarfish species. Silver dollars are commonly thought of as male silver dollar fish and female silver dollar fish and are not very different from each other.

What would you name a baby silver dollar fish?

A baby silver dollarfish is simply referred to as a fry, or just a baby silverfish.

What are you eating?

Silver dollar fish are one of the most innocent and calm members of the piranha family, but when threatened, their sharp teeth can cause serious injury. These fish are primarily herbivores but also eat meat and are omnivores. Overall, silver dollar fish food contains a herbivore diet and is known to feed on surrounding habitation and plants. Silver Dollars will eat a variety of plants including cress, lettuce, spring greens, peas, cucumbers, chickweed and many more found in their area.

Silver dollar fish are voracious eaters of a wide variety of plants and can eat almost any plant species and if you plan to keep them indoors make sure you don’t put actual plants in their tank and prefer using plastic plants. Although silver dollarfish prefer a herbivore diet, this species is especially fond of bloodworms, glassworms (mosquito larvae), and brine shrimp, which like to eat silver dollars as treats.

Are they eaten by humans?

No, silver dollar fish are not popularly caught or eaten by humans. Silver Dollars are famous as aquarium fish and are absolute favorites loved by fish owners. To meet this demand, breeding silver dollarfish is also popular and they are kept in pairs in a large tank. Human owners select silver dollar aquarium mates based on available information on silver dollar fish compatibility.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, silver dollar fish are well known among aquarium keepers and make a great addition to a fish tank or aquarium. Silver dollar are really easy to care for and require very little understanding of silver dollar fish care other than their habitat and diet. This species is best suited for keeping in an aquarium and does well with silver dollar fish. It is recommended to give these fish artificial plants as aquarium accessories, or they might eat real ones.

Kidadl Note: All pets should only be purchased from a reputable source. It is recommended that you, as a potential pet owner, do your own research before committing to your pet of choice. Being a pet owner is very rewarding, but it also takes commitment, time and money. Make sure your pet choice complies with the laws of your state and/or country. They must never take animals from the wild or disturb their habitat. Please ensure that the pet you wish to purchase is not endangered or CITES listed and has not been taken from the wild for the pet trade.

Did you know…

Silver dollar fish are very closely related to the piranha and pacu families, which are among the most aggressive fish of all time. Although silver dollar are related to the piranha and pacu families, which are well known for their aggressive behavior, silver dollar fish are surprisingly peaceful by nature and do not feed on other fish or their eggs. The unique feature of a silver dollar fish is its silver-colored, flattened body that resembles a dollar coin, hence the name.

There are about sixteen different species of silver dollar fish found around the world. Some of the most common types of silver dollar fish are red hook silver dollar fish, spotted silver dollar fish, black stripe silver dollar fish, tiger silver dollar fish, etc.

Silver dollarfish are suited to living with tankmates such as angelfish, firemouth, plecos and doradids, pacus and anostomus.

These fish can cost anywhere from $7 to $20 depending on where you buy them.

How Long Are Silver Dollar Fish Pregnant?

Uniquely enough, silver dollarfish are among the egg-laying fish that have been known to lay as many as 2000 eggs at a time, near or in floating plants. After the females lay eggs, these transparent, slightly yellow colored eggs are fertilized by males, and the eggs fall and float in the water. This means they will not “get pregnant”.

How Do Silver Dollar Fish Get Their Name?

Silver dollar fish are known to get their name from their silver colored bodies, which are extremely flat and resemble a silver dollar coin. For this reason, fish of this species are called or called silver dollar fish.

Here at Kidadl, we’ve carefully compiled lots of fun family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn about some other fish including longhorn cowfish or pumpkinseed sunfish.

You can even get busy drawing one of our fish coloring pages at home.

Do you know that if your water is not in the desired PH range according to your fish, it can lead to problems like algae growth, coral growth, damage to the health of your fish, etc.? We highly recommend doing this API water test kit on Amazon.com so you always know the pH level of your aquarium.

Overview of the silver dollar

The Silver Dollarfish are a perfect species of fish that you can easily keep in a community tank with other species of fish. This is because the fish is known to be very sociable and keeps other species of fish busy. The fish is a relative of the piranha, which is a very aggressive fish but is also relatively calm and sociable with other breeds of fish.

The fish is known to grow quickly and remarkably large, so may require a tank large enough to accommodate a group. A tank that is at least 50 gallons can be a good start for these fish, especially if you plan on keeping a group together in a single tank. The fish will grow large and broad in a short period of time as long as they are provided with sufficient food.

Unlike the piranha to which they are related, silver dollar fish are avid herbivores that feed on plants. If you have plants in your tank, expect the fish to feed on them after you introduce them there.

Silver Dollar Information Chart Scientific Name: Metynnis argenteus Family: Characidae Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Calm and peaceful Color: Silver like a dollar coin Lifespan: 10 years Size: 6 inches Diet: Herbivorous Minimum Tank Size: 75 Temperature: 72°F and 77°F. Water Conditions : Freshwater conditions with a pH of 6.5 to 7. Aquarium Fish Compatibility Bristlenose Pleco, Dwarf Pleco, Cichlids

Appearance of silver dollar fish

The fish have a flat, thin, and silvery appearance, hence the name “silver dollar fish”. In fact, the fish looks so silvery that if a silver penny was placed on the surface of its body, it would not be easy for you to see the silver coin!

The dorsal fin forms, starting at the highest point of their body, so that it looks like an equilateral triangle. The front of the fin is more opaque than the rest of the body. They also have symmetrical forked caudal fins that help fish cruise and search for their prey.

The body of the fish is flat and thin, but when laid on its side it appears wide and large. The caudal fin is broad and flat, making the fish a good swimmer, and some aquarists are drawn to the fish for its distinctive red caudal fin and silver-like appearance. They have a slight elevation that rises in the middle of the body and thins out at the extreme ends, presenting a streamlined body.

Varieties of Silver Dollars

Red Hook Silver Dollar Fish

The Red Hook Silver Dollar Fish has a distinctive red anal fin that resembles a ship’s rudder. Aside from that one stark difference, the rest of the body looks very similar to the typical silver dollar fish. However, the Red Hook’s body color can sometimes be a bit more mottled.

Spotted Silver Dollarfish

The Spotted Silver Dollar fish has a primary gray base color accompanied by a small hint of orange under its body.

In addition, her whole body is covered with tiny dark brown spots.

Tiger Silver Dollar Fish

As the name suggests, the Tiger Silver Dollar is a clear blue and silver fish with long dark vertical stripes across its body.

Lifespan of the silver dollar

The silver dollar fish can live up to ten years. Optimal care and genetics are major factors that help extend lifespan. They are fairly hardy fish that are not easily affected. The right tank arrangement and optimal water conditions will extend their life by more years.

Size of the silver dollar

The average silver dollar fish is about 6 inches long. Some can grow up to 8 inches, but on very rare occasions. They are slim and tall. However, sizes vary from species to species, as with larger specimens, the fish can grow to 22 inches.

Natural habitat and origin of the silver dollar

The silver dollar fish are native to the tropical waters of the South American region. Even today they can often be found in the Amazon basin.

The waters they live in are dark and full of peat. Gravel, rocks, dense vegetation, and small hiding spots are common elements in their habitat. The rivers are full of debris, driftwood, weeds and large stones.

Moderate current flow is very suitable for silver dollars.

Silver Dollar Care and Tank Setup

Silver Dollar Tank Size and Specifications

The silver dollar fish is one of the easiest to care for aquarium fish in the aquarium. They are generally peaceful and easily coexist with other peaceful fish species in the same tank. Here below are some important tank requirements you can follow to start fishing:

Optimum tank size for Silver Dollar

The fish grows rapidly and remarkably large within a few weeks. If you’re petting an entire group, you may need a tank large enough to accommodate them. A tank of at least 75 gallons can be a good start with these fish, especially if you plan to keep a group together in a single tank. With sufficient food supply, the fish will grow large and wide within a short time.

Tank shape for silver dollars

A long tank would be best for your silver dollar fish. They are very active and like to swim a lot. A long tank gives them more room to cover without feeling cramped.

filter type

As a big fish, Silver Dollar produces a lot of waste. This waste produces ammonia, which is highly toxic to the other fish. Fortunately, aquariums grow some beneficial bacteria that help break down ammonia and nitrates into less toxic forms.

However, silver dollar fish require a large aquarium with canister filters. These large filters should be placed outside the aquarium as they draw a lot of water with the help of a drain hose. It will also help capture a lot of waste, food scraps and dirt from the tank.

substrate

Gravel is an appropriate substrate for the silver dollarfish because it resembles river beds, which resemble their natural habitat. Dark substrates also enhance the silver color of the fish body.

How many silver dollars in a 75 gallon tank?

Silver Dollars cannot be kept alone as they are schooling fish. They always swim and stay together in groups. You can easily store four silver dollars in a 75 gallon tank.

Water parameters for silver dollar fish

water temperature

It is a tropical species of freshwater fish; You should therefore be aware of the temperature conditions in the tank. The ideal temperature condition for the fish should be between 22 and 24 °C.

water flow rate

A moderate water flow is best for a Silver Dollar tank.

PH value

In the tank, it may be best to provide soft water with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

The pH of the water in the tank should be between 5.0 and 7.0 and not exceed the 7.0 mark.

water hardness

The preferred water hardness should be between 4 and 18 dGH. Some experienced aquarists also suggest a range of 8 to 15 dGH.

Also make sure that the nitrate level in the water in the aquarium does not exceed 50 ppm. Just make sure you keep the aquarium conditions close to their natural habitat.

Silver Dollar Tank Landscape

Since the fish can easily jump out of the tank, make sure you have a good aquarium cover over your tank. To help them hide and take refuge, you can place some rocks and driftwood. They hide behind these spaces to hide from predatory fish when they feel threatened. You should decorate the aquarium with artificial plants so that they don’t feed on your live plants because these fish are herbivores.

Best Plants for Silver Dollar Tank

The silver dollar is a herbivorous fish. It feeds on most live plants in the tank. Artificial plants seem to be a viable option for many hobbyists around the world. However, living plants are always more environmentally friendly and beneficial. Here are some popular plants you can put in a Silver Dollar tank,

Water Lettuce – These are floating plants with thick leaves. These two traits keep them from being eaten by Silver Dollar. The fish can sometimes eat the roots of these plants, but they are harmless. They can also serve as shadows in the tank.

Water Sprite – Water Sprite is also a great option to put in a silver dollar tank. They are floating plants that you can tie to rocks or driftwood. These plants can also grow in a gravel substrate. They have very hard stems and the fish can only nibble a little on the leaves. They also ensure that the water is supplied with oxygen.

Hornworts – Like water spirits, Hornworts are floating plants that you can tie to rocks and driftwood. The leaves of the tomentosum are like sharp needles resembling a pine tree. It is very unlikely that the silver dollar will be attracted to chew on these leaves.

Frogbit – Frogbit is another floating plant that can be placed in a Silver Dollar tank. Yes, the fish often feed on it, but the plant grows insanely fast and it makes almost no difference.

Worst plants for Silver Dollar

Unlike the piranha from which they descended, the silver dollar fish are avid herbivores that enjoy feeding on plants. If you have plants in your tank, expect the fish to feed on them after you introduce them there.

The silver dollar will eat some plants too quickly. You must avoid putting these in the tank.

Moneyroot

Scarlet Temple

akorus

Green mondo grass

Vallisneria

Red Ludwigia

moss balls

Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Ammannia gracilis

micro sword

Dwarf Hairgrass

Anubias Nana

Decorations for Silver Dollar Tank

Other fish that live with the silver dollar tend to hang out in the middle of the tank. The fish is a freshwater fish that needs optimal conditions in the tank for better growth and health.

Adequate habitat that resembles their natural environment is a must to provide comfort for the silver dollarfish. In a tank with unfavorable conditions, they can suffer from high levels of stress. Add plants to the tank that you don’t find palatable. Once they start eating plants in the aquarium, your tank will be empty within a few days!

Provide plenty of driftwood and small rocks to use as hiding places. Silver dollars mostly float on the top surface of the tank. They will still appreciate some hiding spots.

It’s also safe to install a powerhead or two to establish proper water flow in the tank. It also helps circulate oxygen to keep your fish active and thriving.

Lighting for Silver Dollar Tank

Silver Dollars prefers subdued lighting and a dark environment. Try building small cave-like structures so they can hide when the lighting is too bright. Use dark substrates to help them get used to the environment.

feed silver dollars

Best diet for silver dollar fish

The silver dollar fish are primarily herbivores and generally feed on plant products. However, the fish will not hesitate to feed on a variety of live foods that are fed to them. They can be fed live foods such as live worms, live brine shrimp and other fleshy feeds. However, a general rule is to keep the fish on a heavily vegetarian diet as they are herbivores. Feeding with live food should only be encouraged, since the fish, like any other animal, needs a balanced diet.

As for processed food, don’t fret much at the thought that they like to feed on live plants. You can serve plant-based fish flakes, and you can feed them spirulina. You can also offer green vegetable food from your kitchen to the fish in the tank and they will graciously feed on it!

How Often Should You Feed the Silver Dollar?

Silver Dollar only requires two meals a day. Try to feed them at equal intervals, ideally one during the day and the other at night.

Behavior and Temperament of the Silver Dollar

These are calm and peaceful schooling fish that need plenty of swimming space. They are also great community fish as they show little aggression towards other fish in the tank.

Silver dollars are pelagic fish, meaning they like to swim at the top of the tank. This frightens them very quickly and they are prone to suicidal jumps out of the tank. Don’t forget to put a lid on it. They are also great for fish that spend their time in the middle and bottom of the tank.

You will always find them in groups. They don’t like being alone as it makes them lonely or shy. The only time these fish can become a bit aggressive is while feeding.

Are Silver Dollars Solitary or Social?

Silver dollars are schooling fish. Do not keep them alone as this can cause extreme stress and anxiety. You should always keep them in groups of four or more. They can also live harmoniously with other fish species in a community tank.

Silver Dollar Tankmates

Silver Dollars are perfect for community aquariums as they are compatible with many other peaceful fish. You can easily keep them with tankmates swimming in the middle and lower water layers.

Ideal silver dollar tank mates

Bad tankmates for Silver Dollar

Breeding Silver Dollars

The silver dollarfish breeds easily and simply in an aquarium as long as the conditions are suitable. Make sure the tank temperature is between 81 and 90 degrees Celsius for them to breed easily. After spawning, in which the male fertilizes the female’s eggs, it only takes four more days for the eggs to hatch. After just a few weeks you can see the young fish swimming around in the aquarium. Another feature of the female that will tell you she is ready to breed is when you see two black spots just near the side gills. The red color on the side gills turns black so now is the perfect time to introduce the male to the tank with the female.

breed level

Moderate

Sexual Dimorphism

In males, the anal fins are longer with reddish tint on the leading edge. You will find it easy to tell the female from the male, especially if they are in the same tank. Another easy sign to tell the male fish from the females is that the males sometimes show a dark outline along the edges of the caudal fin.

Common diseases of the silver dollar and their treatment

There aren’t many complex diseases that can affect a silver dollarfish. However, common freshwater diseases like Ich can always make them suffer. Bacterial infections originating from the tank can also cause serious health problems for the fish. Thoroughly clean decoration material or other items before placing them in the tank.

Maintain good water quality, diet, and manage stress to avoid ego. Keeping these factors in check will greatly reduce the health risks to the fish.

Facts about silver dollar fish

A silver dollar fish is a very close relative of piranha and has very sharp teeth. However, their herbivorous nature makes them less dangerous.

The silver dollar’s scientific name is Metynnis argenteus.

They belong to the Actinopterygii class and the Characidae family.

These fish look exactly like a silver dollar coin and derive their name from that.

The silver dollar fish lays about 2000 eggs at a time. As a result, they are significantly less threatened with extinction.

These fish are native to the freshwaters of South America.

They form schools of fish and living alone can cause them severe stress.

Keeping silver dollars in a community aquarium works best for them. They are compatible with many other peaceful fish such as some cichlids and plecos.

The average lifespan of these fish is around ten years, but with exceptional care, they can live longer.

Are Silver Dollars Right For You?

Silver Dollars are peaceful schooling fish that need a large tank. They don’t like to be left alone and are quite large (around 6 inches). These fish need a large tank and filter to survive.

You can keep them in your home aquarium if you have enough space to arrange a 75 gallon tank or larger. In general, they are best suited for community tanks.

frequently asked Questions

Is Silver Dollar Fish Friendly?

Yes, silver dollars are friendly and peaceful fish. They do best in community tanks where they can live with other fish without showing any signs of aggression.

How Many Silver Dollarfish Should Be Kept Together?

Silver dollars are schooling fish. You can easily keep five or more fish together in one tank.

What Fish Can Silver Dollar Fish Live With?

Silver Dollar can live with other peaceful fish such as oscars, pike, larger catfish, bristle catfish, etc. It is better to choose those aquarium mates that swim in the middle or lower layers of the tank.

How big can a silver dollar fish get?

A silver dollar fish can grow up to 10 inches. However, the average size of these fish is around five to seven inches.

Conclusion

Silver dollars are beautiful fish that will make a great addition to your community aquariums. They are peaceful, quiet and require no maintenance. Caring for these fish can be difficult but will get easier over time.

Their long lifespan is one of their most desirable traits, unlike other fish that can die quickly. These fish stay around for a long time with proper care.

Who knows, maybe you just want a school of silver dollar fish or maybe you want to build a community tank. However, silver dollar fish can be somewhat aggressive towards much smaller fish.

So now we want to help you find the best silver dollar tank mates so you can build a beautiful, peaceful and homogeneous aquarium community.

What Fish Can You Put With Silver Dollars?

Here’s the short answer, which we cover in more detail below with some key comments.

Best Tankmates: Other Silver Dollars.

Other silver dollars. Bala Hai.

Bala Hai. Giant gourami.

Giant gourami. Corydoras.

Corydoras. Black Skirt Tetra.

Black Skirt Tetra. Redtail Shark.

Redtail Shark. angelfish.

angelfish. Blue ram cichlid.

Blue ram cichlid. clown loach

clown loach Black ghost knife.

Top 10 Silver Dollar Aquarium Buddies

The most important thing to know here is that silver dollar fish are not the smallest fish and can grow up to 8 inches in length.

They are relatively peaceful fish when it comes to their own kind, as well as other fish of the same or larger size. However, when it comes to smaller and other peaceful fish, they can be a bit aggressive and territorial.

Smaller fish, especially the slower moving ones, are most likely to be attacked and bullied by silver dollar fish. Therefore, no fish that is much smaller and slower should be held with a silver dollar.

Here’s a rundown of what we think are the 10 most compatible tankmates for Silver Dollars.

1. Other Silver Dollars

The number one best tank mate for the silver dollarfish are other silver dollarfish. These are community fish and schooling fish, meaning they greatly enjoy and benefit from being with many of their own kind.

They are much more comfortable in schools of their own kind, as security is in numbers, a natural survival mechanism.

Most would recommend keeping at least 4 or 5 silver dollarfish together to make them feel at home. Undoubtedly, the best tank brand for the silver dollar fish is the silver dollar fish.

They tend to get along very well and actually have a desire to live with their own kind.

2. Bala Hai

Well, bala sharks aren’t overly aggressive per se and tend to be quite peaceful, but they can occasionally bully slower-swimming fish.

Let’s remember that these fish are actually more closely related to minnows and other similar fish than they are to sharks. It’s not actually a real shark, but it has large fins and a torpedo-shaped body that definitely gives it a shark’s appearance.

Bala sharks have some really amazing colors and patterns, so they definitely look pretty good. Also, they are very fast and active swimmers, which helps them avoid silver dollar fish.

Add to that the fact that bala sharks can grow to a whopping 14 inches in length, nearly twice the length of silver dollar fish. Therefore, you can be sure that the silver dollars will definitely not try to pick a fight with your bala shark.

3. Giant gourami

Giant gouramis can also be kept with silver dollar fish. These fish are known for having large and oddly shaped foreheads, with their heads almost reminiscent of beluga whales.

These fish can come in many different colors, patterns, and color combinations, which helps keep things exciting. The giant gourami is mostly a peaceful fish and will definitely not bully or attack fish that are similar or larger.

These fish only become aggressive when their tank is too small and they feel overcrowded, they can also be a bit aggressive towards much smaller fish.

However, if your goal is to keep giant gouramis with silver dollar fish you should be fine as these guys can grow to 18 inches in length in captivity. It’s a full 10 inches longer than the silver dollar fish, so your silver dollars definitely won’t be picking on it.

However, be careful and make sure the tank is more than large enough for both fish, because if the tank feels cramped, the giant gourami can actually become aggressive towards the silver bucks.

4. Corydoras

Corydoras are another decent silver dollar aquarium mate. Also known as Corydora catfish, these fish are extremely peaceful bottom feeders and typically do not bother other fish, no matter the size.

These guys are very peaceful and their only real goal is to catch food from the bottom of the tank. There’s also the fact that Corydoras come in many different color patterns and colorings, which can definitely help add some color and vibrancy to an aquarium.

Now armored catfish only grow to about 4 inches long, which is about half the length of a silver dollar fish.

That said, we would draw the line here, as an armored catfish is generally large enough that silver dollar fish won’t try to bully it, plus it definitely won’t fit in a silver dollar’s mouth either.

The main point to keep in mind is that the armored catfish are bottom feeding scavengers and even in the same tank they don’t come into much contact with silver dollarfish.

5. Black rock tetra

Black-rocked tetras are actually quite small fish, typically measuring around 2.5 inches in length. Yes, silver dollarfish are more than three times larger than blackrock tetras.

You may think that these little guys are too small for silver dollars and that they are being bullied by them, but history shows that this is not the case.

Although comparatively small, black-rocked tetras are very fast and agile swimmers, and they are generally quite aggressive.

Black-rocked tetras are known to be fin-biters and brawlers, and yes, with the right motivation, they will definitely fight back or even go on the offensive against silver dollarfish.

When silver dollarfish are kept in the same tank they will usually leave these aggressive little fish alone, and when attempting to start a fight the fast and agile blackrock tetra is more than quick enough to get out of the way, let alone get out of the way more than resolute enough to ward off a silver dollar fish and send it for cover.

Simply put, silver dollars don’t typically attempt to mess with blackrock tetras due to their aggressive nature and, for the most part, blackrock tetras will not both become silver dollars either due to the large size difference.

6. Redtail Shark

Once again, just like the bala shark, the redtail shark has the appearance of a real shark, complete with those large fins and a torpedo-shaped body.

However, they are not real sharks. Redtail sharks actually belong to the same fish family as carp. People love red-tailed sharks for their jet black bodies combined with their fiery red tails. These are definitely some very nice looking fish.

Redtail sharks grow to around 6 inches long, sometimes as much as 7 inches, and they can also be quite stout. This means they are large enough not to be pecked at, bullied, or even eaten by silver dollar fish.

It’s important to note that while redtail sharks are peaceful when it comes to large fish like silver dollars, they can be very aggressive towards smaller fish.

Redtail sharks by themselves will bully much smaller fish. Redtail Sharks and Silver Dollarfish are mostly left alone and don’t interact much at all.

7. Angelfish

Something to immediately keep in mind here is that angelfish are actually a type of cichlid. What can be said is that for the most part, angelfish are fairly peaceful, more so than most other cichlids.

However, they can still be somewhat aggressive towards much smaller fish, and during mating season they can also become extremely hostile towards other angelfish. That said, they are great fish to keep with silver dollar fish.

For one, angelfish look very cool with big stripes, vibrant colors, and those long, flowing fins. The good thing about housing angelfish with silver dollarfish is that angelfish grow to around 10 inches.

While they are peaceful with most other fish of a similar size, they don’t particularly like fish that are much smaller, but will leave similar sized fish alone.

More or less silver dollarfish and angelfish have similar temperaments and don’t tend to mess with other fish of a similar size.

8. Blue ram cichlid

There is no denying that the blue ram cichlid is by far one of the most beautiful and colorful cichlids out there and one of the most beautiful aquarium fish out there.

With super vibrant blues, reds, oranges, yellows and blacks all mixed in, these are some super bright fish indeed. Blue ram cichlids are mostly blue, but often have all of these other colors mixed in as well.

Now, blue ram cichlids grow to 3 inches at most. Based on their size alone, they don’t seem to make a good match for silver dollar fish.

However, just like black-rocked tetras, bluebuck cichlids are very fast swimmers, they are agile and also aggressive. Blue ram cichlids have no qualms about defending themselves if need be, and will occasionally attack fish much larger than themselves.

Due to their rather aggressive temperament, silver dollar fish will generally leave them alone.

9. Clown loaches

The clown loach is definitely a very handsome fish with orange and black stripes making it a very colorful addition to any aquarium.

They’re no doubt very handsome, and they’re also ground-feeding scavengers, making them handy little scavengers.

Being bottom feeders also means they stick to the substrate and generally don’t have much contact with fish like silver dollarfish.

Clown loaches grow to about 5 inches long, which should be large enough so that silver dollar fish don’t bother them too much.

In addition, despite being slightly smaller than silver dollar fish, they are a bit aggressive, they can be territorial and they will defend themselves if necessary.

Because of these factors, they make pretty much perfect partners for silver dollar aquariums.

10. Black Ghost Knife

When it comes to unique looking fish, the black ghost knifefish is definitely one of the best.

These fish are jet black in color front to back and can sometimes have a bit of blue pigmentation thrown into the mix giving them a dark appearance with a blue tint. They actually look like knife blades too, another interesting feature.

Black ghost knifefish grow to about 20 inches, which makes them more than large enough to ensure silver dollarfish don’t bother them.

Also, black ghost knifefish tend to stay near the bottom of the tank and will swim through and hide in the foliage.

Although these fish are more than twice the size of silver dollars, they are very peaceful and shy so they don’t bother the silver dollars.

Are Silver Dollars Aggressive Fish?

Silver dollar fish are semi-aggressive fish. They’re not overly aggressive or territorial, but they do have their moments.

This is especially true for fish that are much smaller than them. Silver dollar fish may bully or attack smaller fish but are generally okay with fish of a similar or larger size.

Do Silver Dollars Eat Other Fish?

What is interesting is that silver dollar fish, although essentially omnivores, typically only eat plant matter and are more or less 100% herbivores.

So while they can attack much smaller fish, they won’t eat them.

Can silver dollar fish live with goldfish?

No, you should not keep silver dollar fish with goldfish. This is really not about size or temperament, but about the water conditions.

Goldfish are cold-water fish that prefer colder waters, while silver dollarfish are tropical fish that need fairly high water temperatures.

Because of this, they cannot live together as they are not built for the same bodies of water.

Are Silver Dollar Fish Guppies Compatible?

Silver dollar fish should also not be kept with guppies. Guppies are very small and peaceful.

Your silver dollar fish will likely chase them around and possibly attack them as well. They’re not the worst tankmates of all time, but they’re certainly not overly compatible either.

Conclusion

As you can see there are many fish to keep with silver dollar fish. The most important thing to remember is that all silver dollar tank mates shouldn’t be much smaller.

As long as the other fish in the tank are roughly the same size or larger, they should all get along just fine. If you plan to add much smaller fish to the silver dollar pool, they need to be agile, fast, and at times aggressive.

Credit: Darko Cvetanoski, Shutterstock

Silverfish allergies are among the most common symptoms after a person has been bitten by a silverfish or when inhaling scales from the silverfish’s exoskeleton. Bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis can occur, breathing problems can also occur if a person is overly sensitive to these insects.

Most people won’t realize they’ve taken a silverfish bite because the symptoms may not appear at all. If there is a silverfish infestation in your home and you wake up with red spots on your skin, it is possible that they are caused by the silverfish. However, the source of the marking could be contact with another bug or an allergic reaction to something other than insects.

Some of the most common symptoms of silverfish are the following:

Red linear spots on your skin (may not be caused by a bite but from contact with the insect)

to see silverfish on you

nasal infection

Respiratory allergy

Sharp pain, similar to an ant bite

itching (usually no more than a day)

A silverfish infestation should be treated immediately. Otherwise there is a risk of the pest population rising to levels that are very difficult to manage with just one silverfish treatment.

Do silverfish cause allergies?

In fact, silverfish can cause allergies in anyone who comes into contact with the insect and is susceptible to any of the allergic reactions. The allergen associated with silverfish allergies is called tropomyosin. It can be found in foods like shrimp and shellfish. Triggering silverfish allergies can be caused by sources such as:

Getting bitten by silverfish

ingestion of allergens

inhale allergens

Silverfish droppings

Nasal infections, also known as rhinitis, occur in people who have hypersensitivity to the insect. Children with other types of respiratory allergies are also extremely susceptible to silverfish allergies. If you have a family member who is not resistant to silverfish, don’t let a silverfish infestation on your property get out of control. If one is already occurring, look for a comprehensive way to eradicate the pest.

How to prevent allergic reactions to silverfish

The life span of silverfish can last up to 8 years and during this time the insects shed their skin on all infested places. These tiny particles easily float in the air we breathe and often seem to be a cause of allergies. According to a study from 2005, silverfish scales in combination with house dust can hardly be avoided. It turns out that silverfish allergens can even be found in places where the insects aren’t visible, as the particles are easily carried by the wind.

If you want to reduce the risk of allergic reactions to silverfish, turn to one of the following solutions:

Remove silverfish hiding spots like stacked boxes and clothing

Vacuum and dust all rooms in your house regularly. Dust attracts dust mites, which serve as food for silverfish

Reduce the humidity in the rooms

Store food in containers. Silverfish are attracted to anything edible, especially high-cellulose foods

If none of the above has the desired effect, use professional pest control services in your area who guarantee up to 100% efficient silverfish eradication.

What attracts silverfish

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Check out all Silver Dollar pictures!

The silver dollarfish is a fish endemic to the rivers and tributaries of South America.

Although closely related to the piranha, silver dollar fish are generally peaceful. People don’t tend to fish for them or consume them, but these freshwater fish are popularly kept in aquariums around the world.

An Incredible Fish: Five Silver Dollar Facts!

Silver dollar fish are in the same family, Characidae, as piranha fish and pacu fish. However, unlike these fish species, they are not aggressive.

One of the most striking things about the silver dollar fish is its extremely flattened appearance, resembling that of a silver dollar coin.

Although silver dollarfish are omnivores, they primarily feed on plant matter and vegetation. If kept in an aquarium with live plants, they will usually consume all of them.

There are at least 16 species of these fish in two genera. However, when people talk about silver dollarfish, they usually refer to one of two species: Metynnis argentus and Metynnis hypsauchen.

Thanks to their peaceful nature and fondness for schooling together, they are a popular addition to freshwater aquariums.

Classification and scientific name of the silver dollar

These fishes belong to the Actinoptergii class, the Characiformes order, the Characidae family and, most importantly, to the Metynnis genus, of which there are 14 described species. Two described species of these fish also belong to the genus Myloplus.

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The most common fish considered silver dollar fish are Metynnis argentus and Metynnis hypsauchen, which are virtually identical. The main distinguishing feature between the two is the presence of black spots behind the eyes and on the body of M. hypsauchen.

This fish bears its name honestly. The name for the most common species, Metynnis argentus, is translated as follows: Metynnis means “with ploughshare”, indicating a flattened appearance; Argentus means “covered with silver,” which belies the silvery appearance and coloring of the fish.

Silver Dollar Fish Species

These fish are members of the Characidae family, which consists of 217 genera and 1,464 species of fish. Within the two main genera Metynnis and Myloplus there are 14 and two described species respectively. Some notable species of these fish are:

Silver Dollarfish – Species simply called that are Metynnis argentus and Metynnis hypsauchen, which are virtually identical.

– Species simply called that are Metynnis argentus and Metynnis hypsauchen, which are practically identical. Red Hook Silver Dollarfish – This species, Myleus rubripinnis, has different coloration and distinctive fin shapes compared to generic silver dollar fish. In the wild, they can grow up to 22 centimeters long.

– This species, Myleus rubripinnis, has different coloration and distinctive fin shapes compared to generic silver dollarfish. In the wild, they can grow up to 22 centimeters long. Spotted Silver Dollarfish – Found primarily in French Guiana and Brazil, this fish grows to 6.5 inches in length and has patterns of black dots.

– Found primarily in French Guiana and Brazil, this fish grows up to 6.5 inches in length and has patterns of black dots. Other common species of silver dollarfish include the striped silver dollarfish or M. fasciatus; the red-spotted silver dollarfish, or M. luna, known for its spotted appearance; the speckled silver dollarfish or M. macalatus; and the black-striped silver dollarfish, or M. otuquensis.

Tiger Silver Dollar Fish – This fish, Metynnis fasciatus, is striped like a tiger and lives primarily in rivers in the Amazon rainforest.

Appearance of silver dollar fish

As the common name suggests, this fish looks eerily like a large silver dollar coin. These fish have rounded bodies that are flattened on the sides, are very deep, and average 6 inches in length. Their overall coloration is silvery, but slight green and blue tints can be seen in the right lighting conditions.

Males and females look largely the same. Males, however, have slightly longer fins that are colored red.

As already mentioned, some species of these fish differ in appearance and coloring. Some have spots, spots, stripes, or bar-like patterns. Myleus rubripinnis, the red-hook silver dollarfish, has a red anal fin and can grow to 22 inches in length.

Redhook silver dollar. Marina Veder/Shutterstock.com

Silver Dollar: Fish Distribution, Population and Habitat

These fish are not generally consumed by humans, so they are not at risk of being overfished. However, official estimates of the total population numbers of these fish are not available. In the wild, these fish are endemic to South America; in particular they occur in Guyana and in the Amazon region east of the Rio Negro to Paraguay. They are also thought to be endemic to the Tapajos River basin in Brazil.

In the wild, these fish prefer rivers that are dark and full of debris, including peat, gravel, rocks, and driftwood, which provide good hiding spots. They prefer moderate water currents and thrive best in water with a pH between 5 and 7, a hardness of up to 15 dGH and a temperature between 24° and 28° Celsius or 75° to 82° Fahrenheit. As pelagic fish, these fish spend most of their time near the water’s surface.

Silver Dollar Fish Predators and prey

What is eating the silver dollar?

The main enemies of these fish are larger fish, reptiles and birds. People do not like to fish or eat these fish, so they are not at risk there.

What is eating the silver dollar?

Although these fish are technically omnivores, they tend to be herbivores more than anything else. When eating other animals, they tend to prey on worms and small insects.

Silver Dollar: Reproduction and Lifespan of the Fish

These fish reach sexual maturity at about a year of age, or when they reach a size of about 4 inches. In the wild, they spawn in groups in wooded, heavily vegetated, shallow waters in flooded rivers and tributaries. Males will court females by chasing them around before nesting next to them. Females deposit their eggs—about 2,000 or them—near or in floating plants. Males then fertilize the transparent, slightly yellow colored eggs, which then fall and float into the water. The eggs hatch in about three days, and the resulting fry are free-swimming in six to nine days; They reach adult size at around six to eight months of age.

In captivity, these fish live an average of 10 years.

Silver dollar fish fishing and cooking

These fish are not popularly fished or consumed by humans.

Silver Dollar Fish Population

Official estimates of the total population of these fish in the world are not available.

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What are silver dollars worth?

A Morgan or Peace ordinary date silver dollar – the most commonly collected types of these coins – can range in value from $25-$35 in low quality up to $50 for an ordinary date in MS60, $125 in MS65 and $700 in MS67, the highest tier, have dates for most.

Then there are the really rare silver dollars – those that have sold at auction or private sales for the highest amounts ever, ranging from several hundred thousand dollars to over $10 million! These selling prices reflect how few examples of this issue exist in this grade, the coin’s role in numismatic history, the coin’s pedigree and other factors. For example, many are the best known examples of a coin that should not have been made.

There are many other rare silver dollars out there, but these are the most valuable coins for each major type of silver dollar based on actual sales.

The Most Valuable Silver Dollars

1794 Flowing Hair PCGS SP66

The US coin, which to date holds the highest amount ever sold, is the finest example of a 1794 silver dollar, widely regarded as the first silver dollar ever minted by the United States Mint. It fetched $10,016,875 in January 2013 and was recently put up for sale again but failed to meet its reserve price.

1804 Bust Dollar PCGS PR68

Despite the date appearing on the coin, no $1804s were actually minted in 1804. Instead, a very small issue of coins dated 1804 was minted in 1834, to be used as gifts to foreign dignitaries during a State Department diplomatic mission overseas. These are the so-called Class I 1804 dollars. Two other grades at a later date, one grade, Grade II, is a unique, unauthorized piece minted over an 1857 Swiss Schützentaler. Formerly in the Coin Cabinet, this coin is now part of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Numismatic Collection in Washington, DC. The third type, the Class III, was “taken off the books” for collectors in the 1850s. The public sale of an 1804 dollar is always a big event in the hobby, but the most famous of them all, the most famous Type I, formerly owned by the Sultan of Muscat, achieved a bid of over $10 million in one year, according to May 2016 Stack’s Bowers auction before reserve is not reached.

1870-S Seated Liberty PCGS

According to Mint records, no 1870 S dollars were made, but 12 are known, including a PCGS graded Mint State coin that sold in 2003 for $1,092,500. Experts believe these coins were either clandestinely made by mint employees (like some of the great rarities) or were made for the May 25, 1870 groundbreaking ceremony of the new San Francisco Mint.

1885 Trade Dollar NGC PF66

By 1908 it was believed that no more Proof Trade dollars were made after 1883, but in 1908 a group of proofs from 1884 and 1885 were discovered. The finest known example, this coin sold for $3,960,000 in early 2019 and is one of only five known examples. This coin was once part of the famous Louis Eliasberg collection. Since there is no record of how this coin came to be, it is believed to have been clandestinely made by Mint employees.

1884 Trade Dollar NGC PF66

The second finest known example of the 10 1884 Trade Dollar Proof coins, also part of the Eliasberg Collection, was sold in 2019 in the same auction as the 1885 coin, fetching $1,140,000. 264 of the 1884 coins were minted; All have been melted except for 10, which were legally acquired from a Mint employee.

Morgan silver dollar

1889-CC NGC MS68

The 1889-CC, the rarest date struck at Carson City, is truly elusive about MS64 with only one MS65 graded by PCGS and five by NGC. The two most beautiful coins are a PCGS graded MS68 and an NGC graded MS67. The MS68 sold for $881,250 in July 2013. This coin was originally part of the famous Louis Eliasberg collection.

1886-O PCGS MS67+DMPL

Despite an original mintage of over 10 million, 1886-O has been considered rare in the Mint State since the 1960s. And the date is also known for very bad hits and shine. Only three coins have been graded MS65, including one MS65+, and the best example of this date is the one coin graded PCGS MS67+DMPL that sold for $780,000 last month. It previously sold for $230,000 in 1990.

1884-S PCGS MS68

Because most 1884 S dollars were circulated and most of those remaining in government vaults were probably melted down under the Pittman Act of 1918. As a result, Mint State coins are scarce, especially coins graded MS65 and higher, which are really elusive. NGC has only graded two coins MS65 and one MS67, and PCGS has graded one each MS65, 67, and 68. The best known example, the PCGS MS68, once owned by collector Jack Lee and silver dollar expert Wayne Miller, sold for $750,000.

Another Morgan dollar that sold for a similar amount is the finest known example of the 1893-S, the lowest mintage coin in the series, graded PCGS MS67, which realized $735,000 in 2018.

Peace Dollar

1922 Matt Finish High Relief Proof PCGS PF67

Two of only five to eight known examples of this coin were sold at auction in 2014. The higher-grade PF67 coin realized $458,520 when it was sold by the family of a man gifted the coin by the daughter of former Treasury Secretary Raymond T. Baker. Baker’s estate included some proofs from this period when the Philadelphia Mint was experimenting with ways to lower the Peace Dollar’s relief, which ran into glaring problems with the 1921 High Relief coin, but the tiny number of 1922 HR proofs will not seen as an attempt at coins but may have been made for chief engraver George Morgan to sell to collectors.

1927-D PCGS MS66+

One of only five example coins of the 1927-D Peace Dollar graded by PCGS (with another six graded by NGC), this stunning example with full wagon wheel luster fetched $176,250 in March 2019. Usually this date is badly embossed with dull gloss.

A flying school of silver dollar fish is truly something special, so it’s no wonder they’ve been such a popular choice in the aquarium community for decades.

And the best part is that this is a hardy species of fish that is beginner-friendly.

But they have some specific requirements that you need to know about. And in this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know so you can set up your own successful silver dollar aquarium.

Silver Dollarfish Care Guide

Care level: easy

Tank size: 100 gallons (378 liters)

Lifespan: 10 years +

Size: 6-10 inches (15-25 centimeters) depending on the species

Diet: herbivores

– Flake food

– Cooked vegetables such as carrots, peeled peas, squash

– seaweed waffles

Family: Characidae, Subfamily – Serrasalmidae

Temperament: peaceful school of fish

Appearance and natural habitat of silver dollar fish

There are several species of fish sold under the common name ‘silver dollar’ (Metynnis Argenteus), but all share a similar appearance.

They are extremely laterally compressed, meaning their bodies are very flat from side to side. So when they swim straight towards you, they look very thin.

Viewed from the side, their bodies have a rounded shape.

Most types are an incredibly bright silver that resembles a coin, hence the name.

family

Silver dollar fish have some pretty famous relatives: piranhas.

But don’t worry, silver dollars are extremely peaceful. They are herbivores who prefer the salad bar to a steak.

So they won’t be tempted to take a chunk from you, and they won’t bother most other fish (see the Tank Mates section below).

In the wilderness

Native to South America, silver dollars can be found in rivers in the Amazon Basin in Brazil and in waterways in Guyana and Peru.

They live in large flocks on the banks of rivers, darting through the weeds and reeds found there.

Their native waterways are mostly blackwater environments with extremely soft and acidic conditions. Since tannins block a lot of sunlight in these dark waters, they feel most comfortable in low light.

How to set up a silver dollar aquarium

Now I’m going to walk you through what you need to create your own silver dollar fish aquarium.

Best aquarium size for silver dollars

Like most fish in the aquarium trade, the silver dollar fish you see in the live fish store are small juvenile fish that are nowhere near full adult size.

This species grows quite large and should be kept in schools of five or more, so they will require a fairly large tank.

As a bare minimum, I would recommend a 100 gallon (378 liters) tank.

The typical 100 gallon tank is 6 feet long, which is important for such an active fish. Silver dollars really can flit through the water. They need the long footprint of a 100 gallon tank so they have enough room to maneuver.

For larger strains like Red Hooks, you will need at least a 125 gallon (473 liter) tank. Do your best to research the species you are going to buy so you know what size they will be when they are fully grown.

Fish like this is quite a commitment.

Filter by silver dollar

For a fish this size I would really recommend adding as much filter as possible. Silver dollars are large and active fish, which means they shed a lot.

When fish waste breaks down in your aquarium, it releases ammonia (NH3). This is a bad thing as even a small amount of ammonia is toxic to fish and invertebrates.

Luckily for us fish farmers, beneficial bacteria live in our filters. One species eats ammonia and turns it into nitrite (NO2 -1), another toxic by-product. But then another type of bacteria eats up the nitrite and deposits something called nitrate (NO3-).

This whole process is known as the aquarium nitrogen cycle.

Nitrate is much less toxic and can build up in the aquarium between water changes.

But you need a filter with the capacity to handle all that waste. The filter must be large enough to hold a significant population of beneficial bacteria.

And it must be able to pump enough water for dissolved waste to come into contact with the bacteria.

Without a large enough filter, rotting waste will give off deadly ammonia as it breaks down in the tank, eventually killing your fish.

Pro tip: the beneficial bacteria you need for your tank won’t show up right away. Follow these steps to learn how to set up your aquarium properly and build a colony of beneficial bacteria to keep it safe for fish.

So how do you know what to look for when buying a filter?

Filters are rated for the size of tank they can handle, it’s called gallons per hour (GPH). The GPH indicates how many gallons of water the pump can move in an hour.

Typically you want a filter with a GPH that is at least 4 times the tank volume. So if you had a 10 gallon tank you would want a filter with a GPH of 40.

So for a 100 gallon tank you would need a filter with a GPH of at least 400.

You can see our ratings for external aquarium filters here.

Sale Fluval FX6 High Performance Aquarium Filter, Canister Filter for Aquariums up to 400 Gal.

Last update on 08/02/2022 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Heating for silver dollars

A heater is an absolute must if you want to keep silver dollars as they are tropical fish that require a stable water temperature between 75° and 82°F (24°-28°C).

Check out reviews for safe and reliable aquarium heaters here.

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power head

A powerhead is an extra water pump that goes into your tank and helps add extra water flow.

OK, this is more of an extra than a necessity, but it can really help your fish thrive.

Silver dollars will appreciate having a gentle current in the tank to swim against. This helps mimic their natural habitat as they are river fish.

Plants and decorations for Silver Dollar

Silver dollars love plants.

And by that I mean they love to pull them out by the roots so they can destroy and eat them.

Since these types are almost entirely herbivorous, any live plants in the tank are considered a tasty snack.

So if you have your heart set on a beautiful aquascape filled with lush living plants, these are not the fish for you.

However, it is a good idea to provide tall artificial plants. Silver dollars can be nervous fish, and tall plants give them a place to hide.

Apart from the artificial plants at the back, the pool should be reserved for open swimming areas. Silver dollars are very active swimmers that need plenty of room to maneuver.

Norgail Large Aquarium Plants Artificial Plastic Fish Tank Plants Decoration Ornaments Safe for All Fish 20″ Tall (1)

Last update on 08/03/2022 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Lighting for Silver Dollar

These fish really do prefer dimmer lighting with some shady areas to retreat to.

They’re not the kind of fish that will swim into a cave for cover. Areas of deep shadow give this species a sense of having a safe place to hide when needed.

How to get the right water parameters for silver dollar fish

Silver dollars come from waterways with extremely soft and acidic water with a pH between 3.8 and 5.4.

Captive bred fish can tolerate water conditions with a much higher pH, but they will still thrive best in acidic water conditions with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Although the mineral content in these bodies of water is low, it is still important to maintain adequate GH (General Water Hardness) and KH (Carbonate Hardness).

KH helps stabilize your pH and prevent it from suddenly dropping too low. I recommend that you maintain a pH of at least 3 dKH (53 ppm).

It is best to maintain a GH (general water hardness) of at least 6 dGH in your tank.

Even fish that love soft water, like silver dollars, need calcium and magnesium in the water to replace what their bodies use and to maintain healthy osmoregulation, the movement of water in and out of their cells.

Temperature: 24°-28°C (75°-82°F)

Ammonia/nitrite: 0

Nitrate: <30ppm pH: 6.0-7.0 GH: at least 6 dGH (100 ppm) KH: at least 3 dKH (53 ppm) Nutritional Requirements: Feeding Silver Dollars Although related to piranhas and other carnivorous fish, silver dollarfish are classified as herbivores. They travel in large flocks along the edges of their riverine habitats, feeding on the plants growing there. Silver dollars will eat tiny fish and invertebrates they come across, but they don't actively hunt these critters. Because they have evolved to a mostly plant-based diet, their protein requirements are much lower than their carnivorous and omnivorous cousins. It's more important to offer them a varied diet with lots of different vegetables and seaweed than to pack their meals full of protein. What Foods for a Silver Dollar Fish? The main diet for your silver dollarfish should be a pellet or flake food designed for herbivores: Omega One Veggie Seaweed Flakes Spirulian 20 Fluval Vegetarian Flakes Product preview Omega One Veggie Seaweed Flakes 2.2 oz Container Zoo Med Spirulina 20 Flakes Fish Food, 4 oz Fluval Vegetarian Flakes Fish Food, 4.94 oz, 140 g Last update on 08/03/2022 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API You can supplement their diet with things like: Cooked vegetables - To squeeze - Green peas - carrots seaweed waffles – Omega One Veggie Rounds – Cobalt Aquatics Algae Eater Product preview Omega One Veggie Rounds, 14mm Rounds, Sinking, 8 oz Container Cobalt Aquatics Algae Grazers 3.5 oz. Last update on 08/03/2022 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API How Often Should You Feed Dollar Fish? It is best to feed silver dollar fish 2-3 times a day. They are very active fish. In nature, they would constantly graze on plants, similar to a cow always grazing on grass. So multiple feedings throughout the day better mimic what they would do in nature. If that seems like too much for you, don't worry! You can add a feeder to give your silver dollars a snack when you're not home. Best tankmates for silver dollars One thing is for sure, you shouldn't just own one silver dollar fish. These guys are quite shy at first. They will be super nervous all the time if they don't have a large enough group. Plan for at least a group of five animals. More is always better when you can swing it. Silver dollars feel safer in a larger group. Then they know they have enough pairs of eyes to keep an eye out for danger. But not a nano fish OK, silver dollar fish are generally super peaceful and don't bother anyone. But they can still eat fish that are really tiny. A fish that you can easily swallow whole may just be too tempting to pass up. So don't mix full-size silver dollarfish with tiny tankmates. Stay away from fish like: Chili Rasboras, Neon Tetras, Endlers Guppies, basically any super small nanofish that are less than 2.5cm long. Silver dollars can also eat roasts. It is best to rely on removing farmed fish from the main show tank. Good community fish If you intend to keep them in a community aquarium, their tankmates should be large enough that they don't look like supper, but peaceful enough that they won't beat anyone. Blue Acara – these light blue South American cichlids grow to about 15 inches in length and are quite peaceful when not spawning. Green Severum – Severums are a disc-shaped South American cichlid that grows to 20 centimeters in length. Severums also come in a golden variety and have lots of personality. You are one of my absolute favourites. Angelfish - these beauties of the cichlid world also hail from South America and would do well in a large tank of silver dollars. Each of the different color variations available go well together. Yoyo Loaches – these quirky little bottom eaters are a great addition to a cleaning crew and typically grow to 3 to 5 inches tall. They must also be held in a school with at least five or more children. Plecos – almost every type of pleco is compatible with silver dollar fish. They come from the same part of the world and need similar conditions. Just be aware that some species, like the common pleco, can get really big and add a lot to your bioload. Nerite Slugs – Silver Dollarfish will eat tiny slugs, but nerite slugs are too big to snack on. There are several species of these beautiful invertebrates that are commercially available and they are great algae eaters. One thing to note, cichlids can make good tank mates for silver dollars, but most types of cichlids become absolute holy horrors when they spawn. Even small cichlids can harass and bully much larger tankmates to death. Having killer cichlid parents in a community tank is not a good idea. The best way to prevent this is to only keep a single species of a species in your tank. Another good method is to keep the tank at a slightly lower temperature. Many South American cichlids are not encouraged to spawn in cooler water and are less aggressive overall. The colder water will literally chill you. If only that worked on humans, just think what we could do with air conditioning and ice water. Breeding silver dollar fish It is possible to breed silver dollar fish in an aquarium. They can lay thousands of eggs at once, so be prepared! Sex determination of silver dollar fish Female silver dollars have a straight anal fin that usually shows little to no color. Males have a rounder anal fin that often has a red leading edge or red and black bars. Males can also develop black spots behind their gills as they turn up to spawn. condition fish To prepare silver dollar fish for spawning, offer meatier foods, like frozen mosquito larvae and brine shrimp. Male silver dollars will begin to have distinct red and black bars on their anal fins when they are ready to spawn. This is a good time to move a male and female to a separate 208 liter breeding tank. The breeding tank should have high artificial plants. In the wild, silver dollar fish lay their eggs at the base of tall plants. So the artificial plants help make the fish feel more comfortable. The mating process The male begins to chase the female. He will swim very close to her and wrap his anal fin around hers. The female releases her eggs and the male fertilizes them. The couple then trembles as they part to scatter their balls. They scatter about 20 eggs at a time for hours. Up to 2,000 eggs can be laid at the same time. raise fry Once the eggs are laid it is best to transfer the parents back to the main tank. The eggs hatch in 3-4 days. The young fish should be fed finely ground artemia and powdered spirulina. Are Silver Dollar Fish Right For You? Aquarium keeping is an excellent hobby, and there's nothing quite like a school of adult silver dollar fish darting around an aquarium. It's easy to see why they've been such popular tropical fish in the aquarium trade for decades. They're a really hardy species of fish that's beginner-friendly, but they're still not for everyone. Adult silver dollars require a very large tank, at least 100 gallons (378 liters). If you can't provide them with a tank of this size, it's best to choose a different species of fish. This active fish may be related to some of the world's most fearsome freshwater fish, but they're actually gentle giants that primarily eat plants. They are shy fish that thrive in a quiet environment with a choice of shady areas so they can hide if they feel threatened. Although they require a large tank, these beautiful fish are well worth it. Their striking silver color and schooling behavior make them an impressive centerpiece fish well worth your while.

Morgan Silver Dollars – How to Avoid Buying Counterfeits

A loyal reader of our blog posts recently brought it to our attention that fake Morgan silver dollars have made their way onto online auction sites. Oftentimes, the counterfeit coins are only discovered after the Buyer Protection Policy rights have expired, meaning you could potentially end up with a near-worthless coin that you spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on.

Before we dive into our conversation, we thought it would be helpful to give you some basic background and historical information about Morgan silver dollars. Morgan Dollars were designed by chief engraver George T. Morgan and feature an image of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle with defined breast and tail feathers on the reverse. The coins feature the phrase “e pluribus unum” meaning one of many and are among the most popular collector coins on the market today.

In addition to the weight, the Morgan silver dollar’s diameter and thickness can be measured to ensure its authenticity. The diameter and thickness of an uncirculated silver dollar should be 38.1 mm and 2.4 mm, respectively.

Because of their popularity, Morgan dollars are often counterfeited. We have prepared some helpful guidelines to stop you from buying fake Morgan silver dollars. This information can be used with your existing silver dollar collection when buying coins in person and online.

Please note that the following guidelines also apply to the very popular Peace Dollar.

A few years ago, the owner of Atlanta Gold and Coin Buyers made local news after helping Atlanta police identify counterfeit silver dollars circulating in the Atlanta area. You can watch the video HERE.

Years in which Morgan Silver Dollars were made

Morgan dollars were minted successively from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921 by the United States Mint. If your Morgan Silver Dollar was made in a different year than the recently produced 2021 Commemorative Morgan Silver Dollar, it is likely a counterfeit.

Over the years we have seen Morgan replicas minted with dates that were outside of the acceptable range. In addition, we have seen mint marks on certain vintages of Morgan silver dollars that did not exist. We will discuss in more detail some of the most commonly replicated Morgan Dollars by mint below.

Recently, the US Mint produced the Morgan and Peace 100th Anniversary Silver Dollar coins, which were a highly coveted coin upon their release.

Weight of Morgan Dollars

First of all, the weight of fake Morgan silver dollars deviates from the standard specifications. The weight of an uncirculated Morgan silver dollar is 26.73 grams. Most replica coins weigh significantly less. We often see replica coins weighing in the 18 to 22 gram range.

Please note that authentic Morgans may weigh slightly less than standard specs if they have been in circulation and are slightly worn, but the biggest deviation you are likely to see is half a gram and this would be for a fairly worn coin.

While it is possible to have a fake Morgan silver dollar that weighs correctly, the other specifications, like diameter and thickness, are likely wider and thicker than a real silver dollar.

Diameter and Thickness of Morgan Silver Dollars

Not all rulers or tape measures allow you to measure in millimeters. Given that accuracy is important when measuring Morgan silver dollars, we recommend investing in a quality caliper. Vernier calipers can be purchased online or at most hardware stores. Please note that minor variations in the specifications for these coins are usually within the margin of error, but significant differences should be a cause for concern.

Metal composition of Morgan Silver Dollars

Another factor to consider is that the metal content of most counterfeit Morgans differs from the 90% silver and 10% copper composition of real Morgan dollars. An easy way to tell if your coins are counterfeit is to see if they are magnetic. Precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium are not magnetic. So if your coin is attracted to a strong magnet like the Earth’s magnet, you can be sure it’s a fake.

Please note that not all counterfeit Morgan silver dollars are magnetic. In fact, many of the fake silver dollars we’ve seen over the years are made out of aluminum, which is non-magnetic.

Sound of Morgan Silver Dollars

In addition, the sound of silver differs from coins made of other metals. Silver’s sound has a distinct high pitched tone that tends to linger; while coins made of other metals, such as B. a combination of copper and nickel, tend to have a dull sound that does not resonate. Coins made from other metals like aluminum don’t have a rich or sustained ring like silver.

A few tools have been developed in recent years that allow you to ensure a persistent ringtone without damaging the coin. We recommend you consider one of these tools; especially instead of dropping the coin on a hard surface to try and listen for the distinct sound of silver.

Morgan Silver Dollars mintmark

Highly skilled counterfeiters have also been known to add a “mint mark” or remove a mint mark from a coin in order to enhance the coin’s value. The mint mark indicates where the coin was struck.

The five mints that produced Morgan silver dollars from 1878 to 1921 are the Denver Mint (D), the San Francisco Mint (S), the New Orleans Mint (O), the Carson City Mint (CC), and the Philadelphia Mint. Coins minted by the Philadelphia Mint are the only coins not to contain a mint mark and are among the most commonly minted coins, so it is common for most Morgan dollars not to contain a mint mark.

Frequently counterfeit Morgan Silver Dollars

The most commonly counterfeited coins are from the San Francisco and Carson City mints. While some of the replicas are of fairly high quality, a 10X triple loupe will help discern nuances between counterfeit minted mintmarks and authentic mintmarks.

It is also occasionally possible to determine if the silver dollar is a counterfeit by looking at the year of the coin; apart from the known years that Morgan silver dollars were produced. For example, Carson City silver dollars were only made from 1878 to 1885 and then again in 1889, 1891, 1892, and 1893. Many counterfeits that we see are from other years, such as 1894 and 1895. Another frequently counterfeited Morgan silver dollar is the 1893 dollar.

Font style & size of mintmarks

The mintmark font also helps distinguish genuine coins from counterfeit ones. Authentic mint marks have a “serif” typeface that differs from most counterfeit Morgan silver dollars, which look less detailed and plainer.

Morgan Silver Dollar, Mintmark D

Authentic mint marks are also well struck compared to counterfeit silver dollars, which are usually lightly struck. Occasionally counterfeit Morgan Dollars show “tool marks”. Tool marks are marks on real Morgan dollars and are considered indentations on counterfeit coins.

For example, a counterfeiter may start with a genuine Morgan silver dollar, such as an 1894 coin, and try to remove the “S” mintmark on the coin to make it a Record Date coin.

location of the mint marks

You can tell if your coin is genuine by looking at the location of the mint mark on the reverse of the Morgan Silver Dollar. The mintmark, if any, should be above the letters “D” and “O” in the word “Dollar” and below the wreath.

The mint mark on counterfeit silver dollars is not always in the right place. Additionally, the mint mark is occasionally slightly skewed and also larger or smaller than an authentic mint mark, as we discussed above.

Toning Morgan Silver Dollars

Many counterfeit silver dollars show signs of artificial tinting to make a recently-made “coin” look old. A common practice is to apply a color or stain to the coin and brush or remove the stain in the field areas of the coin. This practice gives the coin’s high points an artificially toned appearance that contrasts with the minimal toning of the surrounding areas. Any indication of inconsistent tinting on the coin is a red flag and should be investigated closely.

Presentation of Morgan Silver Dollars

One telltale sign of counterfeit silver dollars is how they are presented or displayed when brought into our store. A common practice by counterfeiters is to place the silver dollars in 20 plastic coin sheets that are four coins wide and five coins long.

These coins are often sealed with tape or seals, making it difficult to remove and examine the coins individually. Normally, just running the coins on our electronic bullion validator is a sure sign, but if Morgan dollars are ever presented to you in this way, know that there is a high probability that they are counterfeit.

summary

At the very least, you should take them out of their plastic cases to inspect them thoroughly before proceeding with your purchase.

We hope you have found this post on how to identify fake Morgan silver dollars useful and welcome you to contact us if we can be of any further assistance. In summary, the best way to avoid buying a fake Morgan silver dollar by mistake is to do your due diligence to identify a highly knowledgeable and reputable coin dealer. This can be a local or online coin dealer, so don’t rule out either option.

Atlanta Gold & Coin Buyers is not only an expert in Morgan silver dollars, we also trade many other types of silver coins and bars. Contact us today for competitive pricing on your silver dollar and industry-leading concierge service.