Silver Dollar

CURRENTLY BIG ADULT FISH 

The Silver Dollar

Native Location: Rio Tapajos, Brazil

Climate: Tropical

Maximum Size: 15cm

Temperament: Community with caution

Diet: Omnivore

Breeding: Easy

Temperature Range: 24-28℃ (75-82℉)

Preferred pH Range: 6.0-7.0

Minimum Aquarium Size 265L (180cmX37.5cmX37.5cm)

Potential Tankmates: large peaceful plecos, corydoras, dwarf cichlids.

Care Level: Easy

Silver dollars, are fascinating creatures native to the freshwater rivers and tributaries of South America, particularly the Rio Tapajos. These peaceful and sociable fish, often found in slow-moving waters and flooded forest areas, boast a unique silver colouration that shimmers under the light. Their natural habitat is a warm, soft, and slightly acidic environment, a perfect setting that can easily be replicated in the home aquarium.

Setting up an aquarium for silver dollars involves creating a spacious and natural environment to accommodate their active swimming and shoaling behaviour. Use a sandy or fine gravel substrate to mimic their natural riverbed habitat. Decorate with smooth river rocks and driftwood to provide hiding spots and enhance the aesthetic. Opt for hardy, fast-growing aquatic plants like Java fern or Anubias, which can withstand the occasional nibbling from these fish. Bright, indirect lighting will highlight the tank's features and support plant growth without stressing the fish. A robust filtration system is essential to maintain clean water, as silver dollars produce a significant bioload.

Feeding silver dollars in a home aquarium requires replicating their natural diet of plant material and small invertebrates to ensure optimal health. In the wild, they primarily consume algae, plant matter, and occasionally small insects. To mimic this, provide a balanced diet of high-quality flake or pellet foods designed for herbivorous fish, supplemented with blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and peas. Additionally, offer occasional protein-rich treats such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. Regularly varying their diet helps to meet their nutritional needs and encourages natural foraging behaviours .

Breeding silver dollars in a home aquarium requires careful attention to their environment and social dynamics. Start by setting up a separate breeding tank with plenty of plants, either live or artificial, to provide spawning sites. Maintain dim lighting to reduce stress and simulate their natural conditions. Introduce a small group of mature silver dollars, ideally with a higher ratio of females to males. Feed them a high-quality, varied diet to condition them for spawning. When ready, the male will chase the female around the tank, and she will scatter eggs among the plants. After spawning, promptly remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch in about three days, and the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flake food until they are large enough to accept larger foods.

 Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page, and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish. 

Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels) via a dated image. Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or "disasters", i.e. a heater overheating. To prevent such situations, we recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium. 

 Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fishkeeping! 

All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.