Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Silver Dollar - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Silver Dollar at a glance
Adult size: 6 inches · Min tank/pond: 75 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: herbivore · Lifespan: 10 years.
Silver Dollar (Metynnis argenteus) is a popular freshwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of stable-tank experience.
Where Silver Dollar comes from
Silver Dollar (Metynnis argenteus) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. Captive-bred specimens at most LFS come from generations of farmed stock and are generally hardier and more colorful than wild-caught equivalents.
Silver Dollar tank size and setup
Silver Dollar requires a minimum of 75 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 6 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Water parameters for Silver Dollar
Silver Dollar prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
What Silver Dollar eats
Silver Dollar is a herbivore. Provide algae sheets, algae-based pellets, and supplemental veggies. Skip a feeding day per week for tank biology. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Silver Dollar tankmates and compatibility
Silver Dollar works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species.
Silver Dollar adult size and lifespan
Silver Dollar reaches 6 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10 years with proper care.
Can you breed Silver Dollar?
Silver Dollar can be bred in dedicated breeding tanks with appropriate setup and water-chemistry triggers. Research the species-specific breeding requirements before attempting.
Common Silver Dollar diseases and problems
Silver Dollar is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Silver Dollar for 4 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Silver Dollar online
Silver Dollar is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Silver Dollar from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related freshwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Silver Dollar taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.