Spotted Silver Dollar – Metynnis maculatus M 5–6 cm | Silvery schooling fish with character

The Spotted Silver Dollar (Metynnis maculatus), also known as the Spotted Metynnis, is a peaceful and attractive schooling fish from South America. With its round, high-backed body, silvery sheen, and characteristic dark spots on its flanks, it creates a lively yet harmonious picture in the aquarium.

This species is one of the herbivorous Metynnis species and impresses with its calm, sociable behavior. In a school, the fish swim synchronously and, especially in good light, display an impressive metallic shimmer reminiscent of floating silver coins.

🌿 Characteristics & Care:

🐠 Size: 5–6 cm (M), adult size approx. 14–16 cm
🌎 Origin: South America (Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Argentina)
🌡️ Temperature: 24–28 °C
💧 pH value: 6.0–7.5
⚖️ Total hardness: up to 15 °dGH
🐟 Social behavior: Peaceful schooling fish, from 5–6 individuals
🌾 Aquarium: From 400 l, with free swimming space, roots, and robust plants

🍽️ Feeding:
Mainly herbivorous. Eats plant-based food, vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach, lettuce), as well as flake and frozen food. A plant-rich diet prevents nibbling on aquarium plants.

💡 Tip:
Robust plant species such as Anubias or Java fern are well suited for planting. Dimmed light and a dark substrate particularly highlight the metallic sheen and spot pattern.

👉 Conclusion:
The Spotted Silver Dollar (Metynnis maculatus) is a peaceful, elegant schooling fish with a striking spot pattern – perfect for large South American aquariums with plenty of swimming space and natural decor.