Metynnis argenteus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

iSilver dollar
Conservation status
Not evaluated (NE)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae Subfamily: Serrasalminae Genus: Metynnis Species: M. argenteus
Binomial name
Metynnis argenteus Ahl, 1923

The silver dollar (Metynnis argenteus) is a tropical fish belonging to the Characidae family which is closely related to pirahna and pacú. Originating in the Tapajós River basin in South America, this somewhat round-shaped silver fish with slight red-tinged anal fin is mostly found in tanks kept by fish-keeping hobbyists. It will grow to a maximum length of 5.5 inches (14 centimeters).

The silver dollar is a peaceful schooling species that spends most of its time in the mid- to upper-level of the water. Its maximum lifespan is more than 10 years. An egg-layer, the adult fish will spawn around 2,000 eggs. This breeding occurs in soft, warm water in low light.

Silver dollars natively live in a tropical climate in the sides of weedy rivers. They prefer water with a pH of 5–7, a water hardness of up to 15 dGH, and an ideal temperature range of 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Their diet is almost exclusively vegetarian and in captivity they will often eat all the plants in a tank. They will also eat worms and small insects.

[edit] References

• Metynnis argenteus (TSN 163248). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on October 13, 2004.
• "Metynnis argenteus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. August 2004 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2004.
• Sharpe, Shirlie. Silver Dollar. Your Guide to Freshwater Aquariums. Retrieved on October 13, 2004.