Metynnis Silver Dollar (Metynnis argenteus / hypsauchen)

The striking fish that can lend a touch of elegance to any aquarium is the Metynnis Silver Dollar, also known as Metynnis argenteus or Metynnis hypsauchen. Aquarium enthusiasts love this species because of its round body and shiny, silver appearance. It is an excellent option for both inexperienced and seasoned fish keepers due to its captivating appearance and lively behavior.

These fish are indigenous to South American rivers, where they can be found living in the wild. They like a well-planted tank with lots of swimming room in the home aquarium. Their silver scales reflect light in a beautiful way, giving your tank a shimmering effect that makes it look more appealing. They are also a fantastic addition to community tanks because of their calm demeanor and disciplined behavior.

It’s critical to create an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat in order to maintain the happiness and health of Metynnis Silver Dollars. They enjoy a varied diet that includes both plant matter and protein, and they flourish in warm, slightly acidic to neutral water. These gorgeous fish can add both beauty and movement to your aquarium with proper care, making them a standout feature in your aquatic setup.

Metynnis silver (Metynnis argenteus) Ahl/Ал 1923.

Generally regarded as the "Silver Dollar" archetype species.

The scientific name is translated as follows: the species name "argenteus" means "covered with silver," and the genus term "Metynnis" means "Ploughshare – a sharp tip of a plow."

Habitat and Range

South America: Most likely native to Brazil’s Tapajós River basin.

Silver Metynnis live in the wild in river tributaries that are thickly covered in aquatic vegetation.

Description

The silver dollar is a species of tropical fish that is easily identified by its shimmering silver body, which is shaped like a disc.

The body has a very noticeable lateral compression and is primarily round and tall. The profile of the abdomen and front portion of the back are not equally convex. Their mouth is small and their lips are enlarged, and they have tiny scales like most members of the family (including piranha!). In mature males, the front of the anal fin has a crescent shape, the fat fin is long and low, and the tail fin is slightly retreating.

The majority of the body has an intensely iridescent silver-gray color. The back has a greenish-blue tint and is marginally darker. The dorsal fin has a number of tiny dark spots and is transparent. The caudal fin and gill cover of males raised in ideal conditions have a reddish rim. Each eye has a thin, vertical, dark stripe through it. There are color variations, as there are with most fish.

Size

Males are somewhat smaller than females; the maximum standard length is 15 cm.

Behavior and compatibility

It is ideal to have groups of at least five fish. A calm fish for the aquarium community can usually get along with other large, calm views. Much smaller Pisces can be consumed. It’s good to choose neighbors who live on the lower level, or the bottom of the aquarium, to add contrast, as silver metinnis tend to occupy the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. Dumplings and armored catfish (Doradidae), which are large peaceful catfish, are excellent options.

Aquarium

The size of the aquarium

A minimum capacity of 180 cm x 37.5 cm x 37.5 cm, or 250 liters, is needed for a group of adult fish. Height is not as significant as width and length. This species’ teenagers can be housed in tiny aquariums.

Because they are voracious eaters of aquatic vegetation, it is challenging to replicate natural conditions for this species in captivity. This fish will feed on the majority of the live plants in the aquarium. Hardy and hardy varieties are what you should choose, but they still require regular replacement. As an alternative, you can use silk plants or artificial plastic.

Fish that are shy in nature, silver dollar fish prefer dark gravel substrates and mildly dimmed lighting. There should be lots of open space in the aquarium, and hidden spots should be created with rocks and submerged driftwood. By creating a welcoming environment in the aquarium, you can boost their self-esteem.

Because they are resilient and disease-resistant, silver dollar plants can thrive in an aquarium with a range of water parameters. They require clean water, so moderate water flow and effective filtration are crucial. For this use, a sizable external canister filter works best. To maintain a high oxygen level and appropriate water movement in the aquarium, add a couple of circulators. It is not advised to use glass heaters on large or adult Metynnis. These fish can easily destroy a heater because they are highly active. The fish may jump out of the tank if it is startled, so make sure the cover is on tight.

Water parameters:

Temperature range: 24–28 °C pH range: 6.0–7.0 Hardness: 10 ° DH or more

Feeding

A diet rich in plant-based components is required; examples of these include peas, zucchini, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and other green vegetables. Commercial foods like vegetable flakes, spirulina, and algae chips are also advised. The majority of aquarium foods are readily accepted by metynnis silver, and it also enjoys treats like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and corethra.

For young, developing fish, three to four times, in small portions. For larger specimens, once or twice is OK.

Sexual Dimorphism

The male has a more reddish tint and a more pulled-out anal fin.

Breeding

Silver Metynnis spawn in groups, so a large breeding tank is needed. For successful spawning, suitable conditions should be created in the spawning tank. Water parameters should be on the softer, more acidic side of the species range, and the temperature should rise to 28° C. Carrying out a water change to slightly warmer water can stimulate spawning. Males turn dark when they are ready to breed, especially around the anal, caudal and dorsal fins. The reddish color around the chest area intensifies. Males begin to court females, chasing them around the tank, spreading and fluttering their fins and their entire body near them. When the female is ready to breed, she begins to spawn, which is immediately fertilized by the male.

The eggs drop to the tank’s bottom. Even though silver meinnis are less likely than some other fish to consume their caviar, it should still be removed when spawning concludes because it is simpler to raise fry. In around three days, the larvae hatch. When the fry have finished their yolk sacs, they should first be given small foods like infusoria. Weaning the fry onto freshly hatched brine shrimp nauplii and powdered food is an option as they get bigger.

Since a spawning pair can lay up to 2000 eggs, there will probably be a high litter mortality rate. It is advised to remove the smallest, malformed, and least developed fry in order to have a small, regulated brood with only healthy specimens. If fed properly, the fry grow quickly and become fully grown adults in 6–8 months. They are roughly a year old when they reach sexual maturity.

Silver Metynnis can survive for ten years or longer in an aquarium.

Notes

Both fish are marketed under the name "Silver Dollar," and Metynnis argenteus and Metynnis hypsauchen are strikingly similar members of the same genus. To differentiate it from its close relative, the latter species is commonly referred to as Metynnis Simple or Common. Their appearances and needs for upkeep and care are nearly the same. There is still a way to identify the two species: M. Hypsauchen has a black spot directly above and behind each eye.

The Metynnis Silver Dollar, sometimes referred to as Metynnis argenteus or hypsauchen, is a peaceful and eye-catching freshwater fish that is well-liked by aquarium enthusiasts. This species is a striking addition to any tank because of its well-known disk-shaped body, which resembles a silver coin. It is essential to comprehend the care needs of these unusual fish, including tank size, water quality, and social behavior, in order to provide a healthy and productive environment for them. The Metynnis Silver Dollar can be a rewarding and vibrant addition to your aquarium setup if given the right care.

An eye-catching and vibrant addition to any freshwater aquarium is the Metynnis Silver Dollar. This fish, which has a serene personality and a shimmering silver appearance, can add beauty and tranquility to your tank. It’s understandable why it’s frequently compared to a silver coin given its spherical, disc-like shape.

Metynnis Silver Dollar requires minimal care, but it does require some attention. It is best to keep them in groups to preserve their social balance because they do well in schools. They will also stay active and healthy if you give them a large swimming area and a tank that is well-planted.

These fish are a fantastic option for both novice and experienced aquarists because they are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly adaptive. The Metynnis Silver Dollar can make a wonderful focal point for your aquatic setup as long as you provide for their basic needs, which include a suitable environment and appropriate care.

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