Scientific Name: Metynnis hypsauchen

Please note – The image used above is for illustration purposes only; Size, colour and sex may vary. Many of our livestock species are sold as juveniles and have not yet reached their full size and colour potential. If you have any concerns about the size or colour of the livestock you wish to order, please contact our livestock team via our support centre before placing your order. Due to the large quantities of livestock orders daily, the livestock team will are unable to select fish / shrimp to meet specific gender or aesthetic needs.

Approximate purchase size : 3 - 5cm
All Pond Solutions will always endeavour to supply as close to the approximate size range as possible. Due to variations from suppliers on rare occasions this may not always be possible. Images used are to show the full potential of the fish when fully mature and are not always representative of juvenile specimens.

How easy are they to care for?
A largely hardy species that is ideal for beginners to the hobby

How large can they grow?
15cm

Where in the world are they from?
Silver Dollar are one of the larger members of the characidae family from Guyana, Peru and Brazil.

What is the ideal number to keep together?
Silver Dollars are a shoaling species, and are best kept in large numbers. For best results we recommend keeping at least 6 in a shoal - the more the happier they will be.

What water conditions do they require?
Ideally slightly acidic water conditions are provided between 6.5pH - 7pH however they will happily live in conditions ranging up to pH of 7.5 or higher. Temperatures should range between 24-26°C.

What should you feed them?
High vegetable matter will see these fish in their best condition. Feed algae wafers and spirulina flakes. They will however relish treats of Bloodworm and Artemia. Be careful in heavily planted aquariums to use tougher varieties such as Anubia and Java Ferns to avoid being eaten.

How compatible are they with other fish?
Due to their full grown size, they are best kept with fish that they cannot fit in their mouth. That said they are very peaceful in the larger aquarium.

Can they be bred in captivity?
One of the more tricky characins to breed as they require a large space to breed. They also spawn in large groups so a high quantity will be required.