In this post, we will learn more about the relationship between Angelfish and Silver dollars. We will also discuss some of their specificities and requirements, as well as if they can be housed in the same tank.
Angelfish and Silver dollars
In general, Silver dollars and Angelfish do not tend to mess with each other. They are both mostly peaceful fish that can get along very easily.
What to know about Silver dollars
Silver dollars are distributed through the Orinoco and Amazon River basins, in Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil.
They occur in acidic shallow waters in areas with an intense presence of aquatic plants, decaying organic matter, and roots. The soil is usually composed of gravel and rocks. Thus, tank structures should count on loads of roots and plants, and similar substrates. They appreciate having various hiding spots. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82 °F with a pH of 5.5-7.5.
These fish have peaceful behaviour and do well when kept in community tanks. However, they have gregarious behaviour and require to be in groups of at least 5 individuals. They measure up to 6 inches and live for up to 10 years.
What does the Silver dollar eat?
Silver dollars are omnivorous fish. However, they prefer feeding on herbivorous items. Thus, in a tank, the recommended plants are not very tasty ones (i.e. Java fern and Hornwort). Other alternatives are artificial plants. In a tank, it is possible to offer lettuce, cress, cucumber, peas, and chickweed. They will also enjoy some bloodworms and brine shrimps.
Are Silver dollars aggressive fish?
No, they are very peaceful fish that occupy the top layers of the tank. They are perfect additions to community tanks with medium to large-sized fish.
Silver dollar popular species
Spotted Silver Dollar fish
The Spotted Silver Dollar fish have many spots on their bodies. They are usually found in Guyana and in Brazil. They can measure up to 6.5 inches.
Red Hook Silver Dollar fish
They have distinctive black and red anal fins. They are even larger ones, 22 inches in the wild and 9 in tanks.
Silver dollar tank mates
Some peaceful tank mates to Silver dollars are peaceful catfish, plecos and Doradids, Angelfish, Firemouth, and Green Terror Cichlids.
Some fish should be avoided due to the size difference. These are Gouramis, Bettas and smaller tetras. Snails and shrimp can also make a great addition to tanks with Silver dollar fish.
What to know about Angelfish
Angelfish are native to the Amazon River basin, sharing areas with the Silver dollar naturally. Well-kept Angelfish reach about 10 inches in height and can live for up to 12 years.
They are also great additions to community tanks and thus, can coexist with various other medium to large-sized fish. Angelfish usually become territorial and aggressive when adults. For this reason, it is recommended to introduce them to new tank mates while young.
Angelfish can also become aggressive towards each other, which usually occurs during the breeding season. Males can fight other males for mates, and females can be aggressive in protecting their young from other male and female fish looking for a snack.
What do Angelfish eat?
Angelfish are omnivores that will eat almost anything offered to them. It could be live foods and vegetables. It is also possible to offer live brine shrimp, bloodworms, and newly hatched Daphnia. Angelfish can also eat smaller fish that are in the tank, such as fingerlings and small tetras.
Angelfish tank mates
Some peaceful tank mates to Angelfish are peaceful medium to large-fish species, such as Corydoras, larger tetras, peaceful Gouramis, and some rasboras.
How to make this combination work
Angelfish and Silver dollars are great tankmates and can live very well together in a community tank. However, there are a few recommendations to follow to make this combination successful.
– Temperatures should range between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit;
– pH levels should be from 6.8 and 7.5;
– Introduce young Angelfish to new tankmates, they tend to be more social and tolerant.;
– Try common good tank mates for the community, such as larger tetras and some Corydoras.
Conclusion
In this post, we learnt more about the relationship between Angelfish and Silver dollars. We also discussed some of their specificities and requirements, as well as if they can be housed in the same tank.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Angelfish and Silver dollars
What is the general behaviour of the Silver dollar?
Silver dollars are large peaceful gregarious fish. They occupy the mid to upper levels of the tank. They are very good community tank inhabitants.
How big can a Silver dollar fish grow?
Silver dollars usually grow up to 6 inches in length.
Do Silver dollars have teeth?
Yes, SIlver dollars have teeth. Although they do not use them for aggressive behaviours, their teeth could cause many severe injuries.
Are Silver Dollars peaceful fish?
Silver Dollars are hardy tropical freshwater fish. They are large peaceful gregarious fish species. They are awesome additions to a community tank with medium to large-sized fish.
Will silver dollars eat small fish?
Very rarely. Silver dollars are known to be omnivores that prefer having a plant-based diet. However, they can eat some small invertebrates very rarely.
Can I keep only one Angelfish in other fish community tanks?
Yes, it is possible to raise a solitary Angelfish in other fish community tanks. Wrong tank mates and conditions can provoke aggressive behaviours. Thus, it is very important to check the compatibility status before just putting them together.
References
Taphorn, D., R. Royero, A. Machado-Allison and F. Mago Leccia, 1997. Updated list of fresh water pieces from Venezuela. p.55-100. In E. La Marca (ed.) Zoological catalog of Venezuela. vol. 1. Current Vertebrates and Fosiles of Venezuela. Museum of Science and Technology of Mérida, Venezuela
Barriga, R., 1991. Pieces of agua dulce del Ecuador. Revista de Informacion tecnico-scientifica, Quito, Ecuador, Politecnica
Reis, R.E., 2003. Subfamily Stethaprioninae (Silver dollar tetras). P.
-211. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.)Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brazil.
