Silver Dollar
Country of Origin: 🇨🇴Colombia Country of Origin: 🇺🇸USASilver Dollar
Background Information
The Silver Dollar fish, also known as Metynnis argenteus, is native to South America and found in rivers containing long vegetation. They have a thin and tall build, making them perfectly adapted to navigate and survive in this environment.
This fish species is primarily vegetarian and even has the nickname "plant piranha.” They can live for approximately ten years and grow to be 6 inches in length.
Silver Dollars also get their name from their appearance, looking similar to a silver dollar. The majority of the body is shiny but transforms into a translucent form when they get their fins.
These fish prefer living in the top half of the tank. Because of their habitat, they have adapted to be very hardy. Unfortunately, you can shorten their lifespan if you don't maintain the correct temperature for your tank and water conditions. Ensure that they have at least 20 gallons – preferably 75 gallons – of water to keep them healthy and comfortable at a temperature range of 75 to 82 F.
Tankmates
Silver Dollars are great for community tanks. They flourish in rich, comfortable habitats with lots of plants and succumb to stress in an environment that doesn’t cater to their needs. Fill their tanks with plants they don’t like eating, such as the hornwort and java moss. Also, include driftwood, gravel, and rocks.
Ideal fish pairings include Kuhli Loaches and Oscar Fish, Blue Dolphins, and the Red Empress.
Feeds and Feeding
Ideally, Silver Dollars thrive on vegetable-based freeze-dried or flake foods such as cucumbers, algae wafers, peas, and lettuce. They also benefit from commercial Spirulina-based foods.
Although Silver Dollar fish are primarily vegetarian, they do like to indulge in meat-based foods occasionally. Feed these fish treats like frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae (glass worms) as an occasional indulgence.
FAQ
Are Silver dollars carnivorous?
Yes, Silver dollars eat tiny fish and invertebrates, but they are not active predators as they live on primarily a plant-based diet. Their need for meat-based foods is lower, especially compared to their omnivorous and carnivorous cousins.
Why is my Silver Dollar fish chasing its companion around in the tank?
During mating season, male Silver Dollars will pursue the female. They will appear to chase desired female specimens to foster closer contact and initiate flicking and bumping before releasing sperm. This happens just as the female of the species is releasing her eggs.
DOA Policy
While this is a rare occurrence, it can and will happen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that every one will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fish arrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag within 2 hours of the delivery time of your fish. We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem.
We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We can replace fish but shipping costs is the responsibilityof the buyer. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures,within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolve the issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
Shipping Policy
Most Shipments will be UPS Next Day Air unless otherwise noted. Processing fish for your order can take up to 2 business days. This is to ensure your fish and healthy, happy, and ready to be put in your tank when it arrives. We ship fish on Mondays- Wednesday (excluding holidays) to ensure fish arrive before weekends. This allows us to completely prepare the fish for shipping and ensure they are healthy prior to arrive at your door. All fish will be shipped with oxygenated water and specific additives in the water to ensure they maintain their health and stability during shipment. Depending on the species of fish and current weather conditions, the fish may arrive with a heat pack or ice pack to maintain the optimal temperature which further ensures the health and safety of your fish. All costs of shipping (postage, packaging,heat/ice packs, etc.) are included in the Shipping fee. We ship to only the continental United States.
FAQ
"The fish I received do not look like the fish in thepicture. Why is this?"
- We typically take photographs of one or two fish when we initially get them in. Since we have a large quantity of most of the various species of fish, it would be understandably impossible to provide a picture ofevery individual fish with a specific species. For some of our more rare orlarger fish, the picture listed may be the actual fish that you are receiving.If this is the case, it will be designated by ?WYSIWYG?, meaning ?what you see,is what you get?.
"What happens if my fish arrive dead?"
- While this is a rare occurrence, it can and willhappen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that everyone will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fisharrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag.We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem. We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We will reship any replacement fish at the buyer's expense. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures, within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolvethe issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
"What if I'm not home when the fish arrive?"
- We will always provide you with a tracking number. While the fish are packaged to survive about 72+ hours within the shipping containers, we do ask that you make arrangements to arrive home to inspect your fish as soon as possible after they are delivered to your home. Itis always suggested to provide an area for the delivery person to place the boxthat is out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
"What do I do with my fish once I've unpacked them?"
- Like you would with any new fish, let the entire bag float in your tank for 15-30 minutes. This allows the temperature withinthe bag to adjust to the same as your tank and will reduce temperature shock onthe fish. After this time, you can add all of the fish and water that is in thebag into your tank. The products used within the water for shipping will notharm any existing fish within your tank and actually makes the transition foryour new fish a bit easier. After this, expect your new fish to take a few daysto become fully adjusted, this includes hiding, floating at the top, sinking tothe bottom, and not eating. After a few days, your new fish should be acting aswimming like they normally would. At this point, enjoy your aquarium!
"I want to return my new fish because x,y,z?"
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns.We do recommend contacting us via email with yourorder number and as much information as possible. We will try to assist you inresolving whatever the issue may be.