The Blackberry Silver Dollar (Metynnis sp.) is a striking, laterally compressed schooling fish named for its deep silvery-purple body with a dark, blackberry-like sheen. Native to South American rivers, it thrives in spacious aquariums with open swimming areas, subdued lighting, and soft, sandy substrate accented by driftwood and hardy plants (though many plants may be eaten). As a peaceful herbivorous species, it should be kept in groups of at least 5–6 to feel secure and show natural schooling behavior, making it well-suited to large community aquariums with other peaceful, medium-to-large fish. Their diet should focus on vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, lettuce, peas, and spirulina-based foods, supplemented with occasional protein sources like bloodworms or brine shrimp. With stable, clean water and plenty of space, Blackberry Silver Dollars grow large, display beautiful coloration, and can live for many years.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metynnis sp. (commonly “Blackberry Silver Dollar”) |
| Tank Size | Minimum 75 gallons (larger for schools) |
| Temperature | 24–28°C (75–82°F) |
| pH Range | 5.5–7.5 |
| Water Hardness | Soft to moderate (4–12 dGH) |
| Substrate | Sand or fine gravel, with driftwood and open swimming space |
| Diet | Primarily herbivorous – vegetables, spirulina, algae wafers; occasional protein |
| Temperament | Peaceful, schooling, good for large community tanks |
| Social Behavior | Best kept in groups of 5–6+ |
| Breeding | Egg scatterer; rarely bred in home aquariums |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years with proper care |