Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: No
General Description: Silver Dollars are native to the rio Tapajo drainage in Brazil. A relatively easy fish to care for if the proper environment and diet is provided, Silver dollars have an oval body shape and are silver in color. A social species, Silver dollars would do best in groups of five or more individuals. Given their activity level, Silver dollars make good dither fish for shyer species because they utilize the middle and top regions of the aquarium. An adult Silver dollar can grow to approximately 6″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild the 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 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). Silver dollars require generous decor and cover in order to feel secure, or they are otherwise quite skittish. 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 Silver dollars mature. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 0-10, pH 6.0-7.0.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2”; Medium: 2-1/2” to 3-1/2”; Large: 4” to 5”; XLarge: 6″ or larger.
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.