Good day, folks! This week our newsletter is going to be short and sweet, and all about our beautiful Metynnis roosevelti “Spotted Silver Dollar”.

The Spotted Silver Dollar has been described by science for over 100 years and has, along with its plain Silver Dollar cousins, been exceedingly popular due to its shining appearance and peaceful nature. The members of the Metynnis genus which are popular in the hobby range in length from five to seven inches. The Spotted Silver Dollar is a smaller sized Metynnis species, growing to just over five inches from snout to caudal peduncle, and shows diffuse dark grey spotting over its silver flanks.

As with all Silver Dollars, this is a schooling fish and prefers to be kept in a group of six or more – for a happy school of this size, a four to five foot long tank should be employed, allowing them ample swimming room. While plant and driftwood décor will suit the fish’s preferences, keep in mind that these are herbivores and they will eat just about any aquatic plant – plastic or silk plants are a good alternative.

Speaking of being plant-eaters, these fish need quite a bit of greenery in their diets – be sure to provide such food as spirulina flake, algae wafers, or blanched cucumber, peas or zucchini. M. roosevelti will definitely appreciate the occasional treat of bloodworms or brine shrimp as well. The Spotted Silver Dollar is a tolerant species as far as water parameters go – temperatures from the low 70s to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit will suit the fish, as will slightly acidic to neutral pH values, generally between 6 and 7.5 or so.

Thank you for reading and we’ll see you next week!

Jessica Supalla