Silver Dollar (Metynnis hypsauchen)

The Silver Dollar (Metynnis hypsauchen), widely sold in the UK trade as the Spotted Metynnis or Spotted Silver Dollar, is a peaceful, fast-swimming characin from the rivers of South America. Its tall, coin-shaped silver body gives the fish its common name, and a calm, shoaling temperament makes it a striking centrepiece for larger community aquariums. This is a hardy, beginner-friendly tetra that rewards a planted tank with bright reflective scales and active mid-water swimming.

Silver Dollars are true shoaling fish: keep them in a group of at least five so they feel secure and display natural behaviour. As an active middle-swimmer that can reach a good size, the Spotted Metynnis needs open swimming space, so plan its aquarium setup around a mature, well-filtered tank before adding new livestock.

Quick facts

Spotted Metynnis tank size and aquarium setup

Build the Spotted Metynnis aquarium setup around stable water and plenty of room to swim. The minimum tank size is 200 litres, and larger is better for a full shoal. Keep the temperature around 24-28C, aim for pH 6-7.5 and a water hardness of 5-15 dGH, and provide strong filtration with gentle to moderate flow. In a planted tank, choose robust or unpalatable plants and floating cover, as these herbivorous fish will graze on soft greenery. Open mid-water swimming space is the single most important feature of their ideal conditions.

Behaviour, tank mates and compatible fish

The Spotted Metynnis is a genuinely peaceful, social fish that spends most of its time in the middle of the aquarium. Because it shoals, it is best kept in groups; lone fish become nervous and skittish. Suitable tank mates are other calm, similarly sized species that share the same water parameters - it makes an excellent companion in a spacious community tank. Compared with small tetras such as the neon tetra, cardinal tetra, ember tetra or rummy nose tetra, the Silver Dollar grows much larger, so keep it with medium to large peaceful fish rather than tiny shrimp or very small tetras it may outgrow. Telling male from female is subtle: mature males often show a slightly more developed, longer anal fin.

Feeding and routine care

Feed the Spotted Metynnis as the herbivore it is. A diet of vegetables, algae wafers and blanched greens (such as courgette, spinach and peas) suits this characin far better than a meat-heavy menu, though it will accept quality flake and the occasional protein treat. Offer small portions, vary the diet where appropriate, and remove any uneaten food so water quality stays stable. Consistent feeding and regular partial water changes keep colour and condition at their best.

Breeding and lifespan

Silver Dollars are egg-scattering shoalers that can be bred in soft, slightly acidic water with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for the eggs to fall into; the adults should be removed afterwards as they may eat the spawn. With good care this is a long-lived fish, reaching up to 10 years, which makes the Spotted Metynnis a rewarding long-term resident for the right aquarium.

Health, delivery and acclimation

Only add a Silver Dollar to a mature aquarium with stable, cycled water. When your order arrives, float the bag to equalise temperature, then acclimate slowly, keep the lights low, and avoid heavy feeding on the first day. Watch breathing, posture, colour and appetite during the first week as the fish settles in.

Why buy your Spotted Metynnis from Tropical Fish Co?

We connect each listing, SKU, care note and stock record so you order the exact animal shown on this page. Livestock is packed in oxygenated bags with insulation and heat packs when needed, then sent by tracked UK courier with Live Arrival Guarantee. To browse more of the range, see our Metynnis and Silver Dollar collection.