Tiger Striped Silver Dollar (1.75-2”)

Scientific Name: Metynnis fasciatus (commonly known as Gold Tiger Striped Silver Dollar)

Maximum Size and Lifespan:
This striking silver dollar species grows up to 6 inches in length. In captivity, with proper care, it can live for 8–10+ years, sometimes longer under ideal conditions.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for a small group, as they are active schooling fish and need ample swimming space. Larger tanks (100+ gallons) are better for long-term care.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5
    

• Water Changes: Perform 25–50% weekly water changes to maintain excellent water quality, as silver dollars are sensitive to buildup of waste and prefer clean, well-oxygenated water.

• Care: Provide strong filtration and moderate water movement. Use a sandy or fine gravel substrate, with driftwood and hardy plants (though most live plants may be eaten). Artificial plants or rooted species like Anubias or Java fern tied to wood/rock may last longer.

Tankmates:
Gold Tiger Striped Silver Dollars are peaceful but best kept in schools of 6 or more to feel secure and reduce stress. Good tankmates include:

• Other silver dollar species, Larger peaceful cichlids Severums, Uarus, Angelfish, Plecos, Doradids Catfish, Synodontis

• Larger barbs or tetras that are too big to be eaten
  Avoid aggressive cichlids or fin-nipping species, as well as very small fish which may be seen as food.

Diet:
Primarily herbivorous, but opportunistic omnivores:

• Staple: Algae wafers, spirulina flakes, high-quality veggie pellets

• Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini, peas, lettuce, cucumber

• Occasional protein: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill frozen
  Feeding a plant-heavy diet keeps them healthy and helps maintain their vibrant gold and striped coloration.

Overview:
The Tiger Striped Silver Dollar is a schooling, peaceful, plant-eating characin that brings bold movement and striking appearance to large aquariums. Their shimmering silver bodies, golden hues, and distinct tiger-like vertical stripes make them especially eye-catching in groups. While relatively hardy once established, they require space, clean water, and a proper herbivorous diet to thrive.

Natural Environment:
Metynnis fasciatus is native to South America, particularly in Brazilian river basins. They inhabit slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and tributaries, often among submerged vegetation where they graze on plant matter.

Breeding:
Breeding in captivity is rare but possible in very large aquariums:

• They scatter eggs among plants or fine-leaved decorations.

• Spawning is usually triggered by soft, slightly acidic water and warmer temperatures around 80–82°F (27–28°C).

• No parental care is given; eggs hatch in about 3 days, and fry are free-swimming within a week.

• Fry require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, followed by baby brine shrimp as they grow.
  Due to their size and schooling nature, breeding attempts usually require a dedicated species-only tank.