Our Guide To Keeping Tiger Silver Dollar Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Metynnis fasciatus
   • Common name: Tiger Silver Dollar
   • Family: Serrasalmidae
   • Origin: Amazon and Paraguay River basins, South America
   • Adult length: 14–16 cm
   • Lifespan: 8–10 years
   • Diet: Primarily herbivorous (plant-based foods)
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful, schooling

2. Tank Setup:

   • Tank size: A minimum of 250–300 litres is recommended for a small group. These active swimmers need wide, open areas for movement.
   • Decor: Include driftwood, smooth rocks, and hardy plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, or plastic/silk alternatives, as they may nibble softer plants.
   • Lighting: Moderate lighting with some shaded zones created by floating plants to make them feel secure.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
   • pH: 6.0–7.5
   • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH)

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Filtration: Use a strong, efficient filter to maintain pristine water quality—these fish produce a fair amount of waste.
   • Flow: Gentle to moderate flow replicates their natural river environment.
   • Maintenance: Regular water changes (30–40% weekly) help maintain stable conditions.

5. Diet:

   • Main diet: Offer high-quality vegetable flakes or pellets, spirulina, and algae wafers.
   • Fresh options: Provide blanched spinach, lettuce, cucumber, or courgette slices several times per week.
   • Occasional treats: Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp for variety.

6. Tank mates:

   • Suitable companions: Peaceful medium-to-large fish such as larger tetras, rainbowfish, barbs (like rosy or denison barbs), and catfish species such as Corydoras or plecos.
   • Avoid: Small fish that may be spooked, fin-nippers, or aggressive cichlids. Avoid tanks with delicate plants.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Social nature: Tiger Silver Dollars are schooling fish and thrive best in groups of six or more. Lone individuals can become skittish.
   • Temperament: Generally peaceful but may become territorial if crowded or underfed.
   • Activity: Active midwater swimmers that prefer open areas; will occasionally nibble on plants as part of their diet.