Spotted Silver Dollar

The Spotted Silver Dollar is a peaceful and attractive species of freshwater fish known for its disc-shaped body and unique spots along its silver body. Native to South America, this species is commonly kept in aquariums due to its peaceful nature and striking appearance. Spotted Silver Dollars are great for community tanks, particularly when kept with other peaceful species.

Scientific Name:

Metynnis maculatus (Spotted Silver Dollar)

Maximum Size:

• Spotted Silver Dollars can reach up to 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) in length when fully grown, though they are often seen slightly smaller in aquariums depending on tank conditions.

Native Region:

• Spotted Silver Dollars are native to the Amazon River Basin in South America.

• They are found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and flooded forests, where they thrive in water that is soft, slightly acidic, and rich in plant matter.

Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?)

• Omnivorous, meaning the Spotted Silver Dollar will eat both plant and animal matter.

• In the wild, they feed on a variety of aquatic plants, seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates.

• In captivity, they thrive on:
  ✅ High-quality pellets or flake food for herbivores and omnivores.
  ✅ Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp for occasional protein.
  ✅ Vegetables, including blanched spinach, zucchini, and lettuce.
  ✅ Algae wafers or other algae-based foods to mimic their natural diet.
  ❌ Overfeeding should be avoided, as it can lead to obesity or water quality issues.

Lifespan:

• Spotted Silver Dollars typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years in captivity, with proper care and stable tank conditions.

Breeding Season & Behavior:

• Breeding Spotted Silver Dollars in captivity can be difficult, but it is possible if the right conditions are provided.

• They are egg scatterers, and the female will release her eggs, which are then fertilized externally by the male.

• The breeding season is typically triggered by increased water temperature or changes in water conditions.

• Spotted Silver Dollars are best kept in pairs or small groups to stimulate spawning.

• Eggs are laid on plants or other surfaces, and after 24-48 hours, the eggs will hatch into fry.

• Water conditions are crucial for breeding success. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5) and warmer temperatures (78-82°F or 25-28°C) are recommended to encourage spawning.

Best Tank Mates:

Spotted Silver Dollars are peaceful, social fish that do best in community tanks with other calm and non-aggressive species. They are known to be a bit skittish, so they should be kept with fish that are not overly aggressive or too small (as they may be considered prey).

✅ Other peaceful species (Tetras, Corydoras, Rasboras, Guppies, Platies)
✅ Small to medium-sized peaceful cichlids (Apistogramma, Rams, Kribs)
✅ Barbs (Cherry Barbs, Tinfoil Barbs)
✅ Snails (Mystery Snails, Nerite Snails)
✅ Shrimp (Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp)
✅ Other Silver Dollars or similar species like the Black Silver Dollar.

🚫 Avoid:

• Aggressive or territorial species, such as large cichlids or predatory fish, which could stress or harm the Spotted Silver Dollar.

• Fin-nipping species, as Silver Dollars have delicate fins and may be stressed by such behavior.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: A 55-gallon tank or larger is ideal for keeping a small school of Spotted Silver Dollars. They are active swimmers and require plenty of space to move around.

• Temperature: 78-82°F (25-28°C), as Spotted Silver Dollars prefer warm tropical water.

• pH: 6.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral), to mimic their natural habitat in South America.

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is best.

• Filtration: Good filtration is important to maintain water quality, but a moderate flow is preferable, as these fish prefer slightly slower-moving water.

• Décor:

  • Planted tanks are ideal, as Spotted Silver Dollars enjoy grazing on plants and hiding among them.

  • Fine gravel or sand is the best substrate for this species.

  • Driftwood and rock formations can create natural hiding spots and provide additional shelter for the fish.

  • Floating plants are great for mimicking the shaded areas found in their native environment.

⚠ Important Notes:

• Spotted Silver Dollars are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 4-6 individuals to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.

• They are generally peaceful and do well in community tanks, but they can be skittish and may swim away quickly if startled.

• They are known for grazing on plants, so they may nibble on softer plants, especially in planted aquariums.

• Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality, as Spotted Silver Dollars are sensitive to poor water conditions.

• If you plan on breeding them, make sure to create a conducive environment with appropriate water conditions and spawning sites.