Spotted Metynnis / Silver Dollar

Spotted Metynnis / Silver Dollar (Metynnis lippincottianus)

A disc-shaped, silvery characin recognised for the distinctive dark spots across its body and its peaceful, schooling nature. These active swimmers bring constant movement and shimmering silver flash to large community tanks — a calm, plant-friendly alternative to their piranha cousins.

Care at a Glance:

• Minimum Tank Size: 200+ litres (large tank with open swimming space)
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH Range: 5.0–7.0
• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling, can be skittish
• Diet: Omnivore — heavy on vegetable matter; flakes, pellets, blanched greens, frozen/live foods
• Max Size: 12–15cm
• Lifespan: 5–10 years
• Care Level: Easy to moderate (requires space and a group of 5+)

Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish of similar size; compatible with large cichlids, catfish, and other mid-water swimmers. Avoid small fish that may be intimidated. Best kept in groups of 5+ for natural schooling behaviour.

Origin: Amazon River basin, South America (wild-caught and captive-bred specimens available)