How to Identify Silver Dollar

To identify Silver Dollar (Mylossoma duriventre), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Predominantly silvery, often with a darker dorsal region and sometimes a yellowish tint on the fins. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars or spots that fade with age.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deep, disc-shaped body, Prominent, serrated ventral keel (keel with 25-35 serrae), Relatively small head with a blunt snout, Large, cycloid scales, Adipose fin present

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, typically with 16-18 rays, positioned centrally on the back.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, symmetrical lobes.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed pectoral fins, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is long, extending from behind the pelvic fins to the caudal peduncle, with 28-33 rays. Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. Adipose fin is small and fleshy.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the very deep, laterally compressed, disc-like body, characteristic of 'silver dollar' fish.

2. 2

   Ventral Keel

   Observe the prominent, serrated keel along the belly, which is a key distinguishing feature of Mylossoma species.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Note the overall silvery coloration, which can sometimes have a metallic sheen.

4. 4

   Fin Ray Counts

   For precise identification, count the rays in the anal fin (28-33) and dorsal fin (16-18), though this is often difficult in the field.

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