Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: No
General Description: Black Bar Silver Dollars are native to freshwater river basins across Peru, Venezuela and Brazil in South America. A relatively easy fish to care for if the proper environment and diet is provided, the Black bar silver dollar has an oval body shape that is silver in color with a diagnostic black bar on its flank. A social species, Black bar silver dollars would do best in groups of five or more individuals. Given their activity level, Black bar silver dollars make good dither fish for shyer species because they utilize the middle and top regions of the aquarium. An adult Black bar silver dollar can grow to approximately 4″. This smaller adult size makes them slightly more appealing than other silver dollar species.
Diet Requirements: In the wild the Black bar silver dollars are herbivorous, consuming large quantities of live plants which is why they are unsuitable for live planted aquariums. Offer high quality vegetable and Spirulina based foods, algae wafers, and even some hardy, live plants to forage on. Frozen foods, such as brine shrimp and blood worms, can be provided as an occasional treat. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. Foods that contain excessive levels of protein should be avoided.
Care Requirements: A minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Black bar silver dollars. The length of the aquarium is important to consider given the activity level of this species. This fish should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters reasonable (Nitrates < 30 ppm). Black bar silver dollars require generous decor and cover in order to feel secure, or they are otherwise quite skittish. Black bar silver dollars are compatible with a variety of active medium-sized fishes such as barbs, tetras, and rainbowfish for example. Small fish species could be predated on as Black bar silver dollars mature. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 0-10, pH 6.0-7.0.
Purchase Size: Small: 2” to 3”; Medium: 3-1/2” to 4-1/2”; Large: 5” to 7”; XLarge: 8” to 10”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
