Silver tetra, Silver dollar tetra (Ctenobrycon spilurus)

Care parameters

Water temperature

23–27 °C

pH

5.5–7.5

GH hardness

5–12 dGH

Adult length

6–8.8 cm

Minimum tank

93 L

Water layer

Middle of the water column

Difficulty

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful mid-water shoaler; confidence comes in numbers

Origin

南美洲

Species overview

Ctenobrycon spilurus is a Characidae from 南美洲. Its colours are honest signalling: pale, scattered fish are telling you something is wrong. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 6–8.8 cm. Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better. Keep a proper school, dim the glare, and feed small foods several times a day. Maintain 23–27 °C at pH 5.5–7.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.

Native biotope

Habitat

Blackwater streams and flooded forest

Flow

Still to gentle current

Dissolved O₂

Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate

Dark sand and leaf litter

Hardscape

Driftwood and dense plant edges

Plants

Floating and shaded plants appreciated

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling

Groups of 8 minimum; more is visibly better

Diet

Small omnivore; quality flakes and small frozen foods

Recommended tankmates

• Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully

Avoid keeping with

• Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism

Subtle; females fuller-bodied

Breeding method

Typical egg-scattering characin; adults eat the eggs