How to Identify Silver Dollar

To identify Silver Dollar (Metynnis hypsauchen), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Predominantly silvery, often with a faint yellowish or greenish tint. Some individuals may exhibit a few small, dark spots on their flanks, particularly when young or stressed. Fins are typically translucent, sometimes with a reddish hue, especially in males during breeding.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Highly compressed, disc-shaped body, Large, reflective scales, Small, upturned mouth, Often a subtle dark humeral spot (behind the gill cover), though this can vary

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively short-based dorsal fin located mid-body.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, moderately sized.

Pectoral fin

Small, clear pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is relatively long and originates anterior to the dorsal fin, extending posteriorly. Adipose fin is present, small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the characteristic highly compressed, circular to oval body shape, resembling a silver coin.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Observe the uniform silvery body. While some individuals may have faint spots, the overall impression is bright silver.

3. 3

   Fin Placement

   Note the relatively long anal fin that starts before the dorsal fin, a key characteristic of Metynnis species.

4. 4

   Mouth

   The small, upturned mouth is indicative of its herbivorous diet, adapted for grazing on plant matter.

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