Silver Dollar Fish (Metynnis hypsauchen) for Sale in Canada
The Silver Dollar Fish (Metynnis hypsauchen) is a classic and impressive South American freshwater species recognized for its distinctive round, laterally compressed body and brilliant silver coloration. Its reflective appearance gives the fish its popular name, as a healthy specimen can resemble a large, shimmering silver coin moving through the aquarium.
Silver Dollars are active schooling fish that become much more confident when kept in a proper group. Although generally peaceful, they grow considerably larger than most community tetras and require a spacious aquarium with plenty of open swimming room.
A school of Silver Dollars creates an impressive display in a large freshwater aquarium. Their constant movement, metallic shine, and unique body shape make them an excellent choice for aquarists who enjoy larger peaceful fish.
Monster Aquarium Canada offers Silver Dollar Fish (Metynnis hypsauchen) for Canadian aquarium hobbyists with professional live fish shipping throughout Canada.
Why Choose Silver Dollar Fish?
A Large and Shimmering South American Schooling Fish
Silver Dollars are prized for their:
Unique Features
Premium Characteristics
- Brilliant reflective silver body
- Unique round, disc-shaped appearance
- Active schooling behaviour
- Peaceful temperament
- Impressive adult size
- Excellent large-aquarium display
- Hardy when properly maintained
- Interesting South American freshwater species
A large school can produce a spectacular flashing effect as the fish turn together under aquarium lighting.
Aquarium Size
Silver Dollars require a spacious aquarium because of their adult size and active schooling behaviour.
A 75-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a small group, while 100 gallons or more is preferable for a larger school or mixed community aquarium.
Recommended Aquarium Setup
- Powerful biological filtration
- Excellent oxygenation
- Moderate water movement
- Large open swimming areas
- Durable driftwood
- Smooth rocks
- Robust aquarium décor
- Secure aquarium lid
Silver Dollars can be strong jumpers, so a tightly fitted lid is recommended.
Water Parameters
- Scientific Name: Metynnis hypsauchen
- Common Name: Silver Dollar Fish
- Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches (12–15 cm)
- Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- GH: 4–15 dGH
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore with a strong preference for plant matter
- Swimming Level: Middle and upper levels
- Lifespan: Approximately 8–10 years with proper care
Feeding Your Silver Dollar Fish
Silver Dollars are omnivorous but require a significant amount of vegetable matter in their diet.
Recommended Foods
- High-quality vegetable-based pellets
- Spirulina pellets
- Herbivore fish foods
- Algae-based flakes
- Blanched spinach
- Blanched zucchini
- Shelled peas
- Romaine lettuce in moderation
- Frozen bloodworms as an occasional treat
- Brine shrimp
- Daphnia
A balanced diet containing plenty of plant-based food helps support healthy growth and digestion.
Important: Silver Dollars and Live Plants
Silver Dollars are well known for eating many types of soft aquatic plants.
Plant Considerations
Delicate plants may be quickly consumed.
More durable options may include:
- Anubias
- Java Fern
- Some tough floating plants
However, individual fish may still investigate and damage vegetation.
For a heavily planted aquarium, select robust plants carefully and provide sufficient vegetable matter in the diet.
Compatible Tank Mates
Silver Dollars are peaceful but should be kept with fish that can comfortably coexist with their size and active behaviour.
Suitable Tank Mates
- Other Silver Dollars
- Large peaceful Tetras
- Large Rainbowfish
- Tinfoil Barbs
- Bala Sharks
- Peaceful medium to large Cichlids
- Large Plecos
- Large peaceful Loaches
- Other appropriately sized South American fish
Avoid:
- Very small fish that may be intimidated or accidentally swallowed
- Highly aggressive predators
- Extremely slow-moving species
- Fish requiring dramatically different water conditions
Always choose tank mates based on adult size and temperament.
Schooling Behaviour
Silver Dollars are social fish and should be kept in groups.
Recommended Group Size
Keep 5–6 or more whenever aquarium space allows.
A proper group encourages:
- Greater confidence
- Reduced stress
- Natural schooling behaviour
- More active swimming
- Better overall displays
Keeping only one Silver Dollar may result in a more nervous or withdrawn fish.
Growth and Long-Term Care
Silver Dollars are often sold at a relatively small size but can grow into substantial aquarium fish.
Before Purchasing
Make sure you can provide:
- A large long-term aquarium
- Plenty of horizontal swimming space
- Strong filtration
- Regular water changes
- Appropriate tank mates
- A proper social group
Planning for their adult size is essential.
Male and Female Differences
Sexual differences are usually subtle.
Males
- May develop slightly more elongated anal fin features
- Can display more intense colour around the fins during breeding condition
Females
- Often have a slightly fuller, rounder body
- May appear broader when carrying eggs
Sexing can be difficult outside breeding condition.
Breeding Silver Dollar Fish
Silver Dollars are egg-scattering fish and can spawn in a suitable large aquarium.
Breeding Tips
- Maintain excellent water quality
- Condition adults with nutritious foods
- Keep a healthy group
- Provide stable warm water
- Use a large breeding aquarium
- Remove adults if necessary to protect eggs
Adults generally do not provide parental care.
Raising Fry
Fry require appropriately sized foods and excellent water quality as they develop.
Why Buy Silver Dollar Fish from Monster Aquarium Canada?
Premium Healthy Aquarium Fish
Monster Aquarium Canada carefully selects Silver Dollar Fish for:
- Healthy body condition
- Active swimming
- Strong feeding response
- Bright reflective coloration
- Premium aquarium quality
Professional Live Fish Shipping Across Canada
Live fish are professionally packaged to help provide safe transportation throughout Canada.
Canadian Aquarium Fish Supplier
Monster Aquarium Canada specializes in freshwater fish, rare tropical fish, monster fish, freshwater shrimp, crayfish, aquatic snails, aquarium plants, fish foods, medications, and aquarium supplies for Canadian aquarists.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How large does a Silver Dollar Fish grow?
Silver Dollar Fish generally reach approximately 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) as adults.
2. Are Silver Dollars peaceful?
Yes. They are generally peaceful, although their large size and active swimming mean they need appropriately sized tank mates.
3. How many Silver Dollars should I keep?
A group of 5–6 or more is recommended whenever aquarium space permits.
4. Do Silver Dollar Fish eat aquarium plants?
Yes. They often eat soft aquatic plants, so robust plants or alternative aquarium décor may be a better choice.
5. Does Monster Aquarium Canada ship Silver Dollar Fish across Canada?
Yes. Monster Aquarium Canada provides professional live fish shipping throughout Canada to help ensure your Silver Dollar Fish arrive healthy and ready for their new aquarium.




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