Metynnis hypsauchen – Silver Dollar
The profile of Metynnis hypsauchen – Silver Dollar is nearly circular; juveniles may be mottled or striped. Adults are entirely silver in color with only the edges of the anal and caudal fin colored red or orange. Its round shape and silver color has given it the name Silver Dollar in English. Metynnis hypsauchen can grow about 15 centimeters long.
The Silver Dollar is a peaceful schooling fish that should be kept in a spacious aquarium. The aquarium should be decorated with rocks, roots and driftwood to provide hiding places. Plenty of free swimming space is necessary. Since they are large herbivores, plants cannot be used as decoration. Muted light and a dark bottom are highly appreciated. Strong ventilation is necessary.
This species was officially described by Müller and Troschel in 1844. They are very similar to the Metynnis argenteus.
Synonyms: Myletes hypsauchen, Metynnis calichromus schreitmuelleri, Metynnis schreitmuelleri, Metynnis calichromus, Metynnis ehrhardti.
Distribution
Metynnis hypsauchen lives in the tropical region of South America, mainly in the Amazon and Orinoco basin. They are found in gently flowing rivers under overhanging vegetation.
Diet in the Wild
Generally a herbivore, Metynnis hypsauchen eat from the leaves of aquatic plants; occasionally they eat worms and small insects.
Breeding Metynnis hypsauchen – Silver Dollar
Breeding of Metynnis hypsauchen is quite simple. They lay their eggs in a group. After an addition of fresh soft water at temperatures between 26 and 28 degrees, up to 2,000 eggs are deposited between some floating plants on the surface and fertilized. The eggs fall to the bottom and are further left alone there. After three days the eggs hatch and another three days later they swim free. Another two days later they begin to eat the finest animal plankton.
Comments
This is a schooling species related to the Piranha. They have very powerful teeth that can bite seriously hard.
Video
Authors
Jan Bukkems – Aquavisie
Ron DeCloux
Copyright images
Ron DeCloux
Andy Gordon – Fishtanksandponds.co.uk (original website no longer online)
References
Ron’s Flickr
Fishbase
Encyclopedia of Life
Ron’sWordpress shortlink
