Dollar Fish

A longtime favorite for community tanks, there is little doubt where this attractive silvery fish got it name. The Silver Dollar fish comes from South America and has been a favorite among tropical fish hobbyists for many years. Although Metynnis argenteus is the most commonly encountered of the sub-family of Myleinae, keep your eyes open and you'll no doubt see several other varieties at your local pet shops. I enjoy visiting shops in other towns to see which varieties they have on hand. Look for spotted or even striped specimens, as well as ones with fins of different sizes and shapes. These fish are Charcins, and are sometimes mistaken for Pacus or Piranhas. Silver Dollars do grow large and fast so you will probably need a big tank to accommodate them. Because they grow to the size of a dinner plate (8 inches in diameter),

HABITAT

The ideal habitat for Silver Dollars provides them with a large area to swim, as well as places to hide. Subdued lighting and dark gravel is recommended, as well as plenty of plants. When it comes to plants, the Silver Dollar remembers that it's a vegetarian, so consider using the plastic variety. Otherwise be prepared for some casualties among your plant population. Water conditions are not critical, unless you are interested in breeding them.

BREEDING

For breeding Silver Dollars the best tip I can give is to use soft water. Although the parents will not eat the eggs other fish will, so they should not be bred in a community tank. After several unsuccessful attempts I finally had a pair spawn when I set up a tank with very soft water at 80 degrees. The eggs drop to the bottom where they hatch 3 days later.

FEEDING

Silver dollars are vegetarian by nature so they'll eat everything green but seem to avoid things like java moss and java fern as well as toughed leaved plants like anubia.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

They are definitely skittish, and will leap out of the tank if the lid is open and they are startled. Speaking of schools, it is advisable to keep Silver Dollars in small schools of four to five fish whenever possible.