Silver Dollar Fish

Metynnis hypsauchen

Scientific Name

Silver Dollar Fish:  
Metynnis hypsauchen

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

The silver dollar fish is found in the Amazon and Paraguay river basins, as well as rivers of the Guiana Shield.

Natural Habitat

Silver dollar fish like weedy edges of rivers.

Physical Characteristics

  • Basically circular in shape, the silver dollar fish can reach a size of five and a half inches, with the males smaller than the females. The entire body is a strong silver/gray.

     

Quick Facts

  1. The difference between the sexes is slight, the males anal fin is elongated and more colourful than that of the female in healthy adult fish.

  2. Silver dollars although herbivores are close relatives of the piranha. They have a very powerful bite and relatively strong teeth.

Exhibit

Diversity of Life

Conservation Status

Least Concern: The Silver Dollar Fish is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.

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Diet

Herbivore

Silver dollars are herbivores, they eat all aquatic plants.