Tiger Silver Dollar (Metynnis fasciatus) — Complete Care Guide
The Tiger Silver Dollar (Metynnis fasciatus) is one of the most striking and sought-after members of the Silver Dollar family. Named for the bold vertical stripes that run across its bright, disc-shaped body, this species is a true showpiece for large community aquariums. Unlike many of its plainer relatives, the Tiger Silver Dollar's patterning makes it a standout fish that hobbyists actively seek out — and for good reason.
Ready to add one to your tank? Shop our Tiger Silver Dollar 2-inch juveniles or browse our 1–1.5-inch Tiger Silver Dollars — both available now at BioAcuatica.
Species Overview
- Scientific name: Metynnis fasciatus
- Common name: Tiger Silver Dollar, Striped Silver Dollar
- Family: Characidae
- Origin: South America — Amazon and Orinoco river basins
- Adult size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm)
- Lifespan: 8–10 years with proper care
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Tank Size & Setup
Tiger Silver Dollars are active, schooling fish that need plenty of open swimming space. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for a small group of 4–6 fish, with larger tanks (125+ gallons) preferred for a full school. They are fast swimmers and will stress in cramped conditions.
Because they are herbivores, live plants are generally not a good idea — they will be eaten quickly. Instead, opt for:
- Artificial or silk plants for cover and visual breaks
- Driftwood and smooth rocks for structure
- A dark substrate (fine sand or smooth gravel) to bring out their colors
- Dim to moderate lighting
- A tight-fitting lid — they are known jumpers
Water Parameters
Replicating their soft, warm Amazonian home water will keep Tiger Silver Dollars healthy and vibrant:
- Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 5.5–7.0 (soft to slightly acidic preferred)
- Hardness: 2–12 dGH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm with regular water changes
Perform 25–30% water changes weekly and use a quality canister filter rated for at least 2x the tank volume. Good oxygenation and gentle flow are appreciated.
Diet & Feeding
Tiger Silver Dollars are primarily herbivores in the wild, grazing on aquatic vegetation, fruits, and plant matter. In the aquarium, feed a varied plant-based diet:
- High-quality spirulina flakes or pellets as a staple
- Blanched vegetables: zucchini, spinach, cucumber, peas
- Occasional treats: bloodworms, brine shrimp (for protein variety)
- Avoid high-protein diets as a primary food source
Feed 2–3 times daily, offering only what they can consume in 2–3 minutes.
Temperament & Behavior
Tiger Silver Dollars are peaceful schooling fish that do best in groups of 5 or more. Keeping them in smaller numbers can cause stress and skittish behavior. They are active mid-water swimmers and will spend most of their time cruising the open areas of the tank. They are not aggressive toward other fish but may startle easily, so avoid housing them with boisterous or nippy tankmates.
Compatible Tankmates
Their peaceful nature and large adult size make them compatible with a range of similarly sized, non-aggressive fish:
- Large peaceful cichlids (Severums, Geophagus)
- Oscars (with caution — monitor for aggression)
- Large plecos and catfish
- Other Silver Dollar species
- Large tetras and barbs
Avoid housing with small fish (they may be eaten), aggressive cichlids, or fin-nippers.
Common Health Issues
Tiger Silver Dollars are hardy when water quality is maintained. Watch for:
- Ich (white spot disease): Treat with heat therapy or ich medication at the first sign of white spots
- Hole-in-the-head disease: Linked to poor water quality and nutritional deficiencies — maintain clean water and a varied diet
- Fin rot: Usually a sign of poor water conditions; improve filtration and perform water changes
Ready to Add Tiger Silver Dollars to Your Tank?
BioAcuatica specializes in rare and hard-to-find freshwater fish, and the Tiger Silver Dollar is one of our most popular species. Browse our current stock:
- Tiger Silver Dollar — 2 inches (Metynnis fasciatus)
- Tiger Silver Dollar — 1 to 1.5 inches (Metynnis fasciatus)
All fish are carefully conditioned and shipped with live arrival guarantee. Questions? Contact us before ordering — we're happy to help you find the right fish for your setup.