Description
Remarks: Silver dollars (Metynnis hypsauchen) have been in the hobby for a very long time mostly due in part to their large size and hardiness. They come from plant-choked tributaries throughout South America where they feed on fallen bark, fruit, and plant matter. Silver Dollars tend to eat plants in aquaria, so plastic plants or hardy plants like Java fern or Anubias should be used. Even still, some have such an appetite for plants they may eat even these species or plastic plants.
Being a shoaling species, these fish should be kept in groups of five or more to help them feel safe. Despite being primarily herbivores, silver dollars will eat other fish that can fit in their mouths and nip those with long fins. Otherwise, they are very peaceful and can become quite personable over time making them a great choice for a larger South American community tank.
