Fin's Fish Guide
The Silver dollar tetra (Poptella brevispina) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Fresh water of northern and central South America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of rivers and creeks.
Description
The silver dollar tetra is a deep, disc-shaped characin of the family Characidae (true tetras) reaching about 9 cm. The strongly compressed, mirror-silver body resembles a small silver dollar and bears an adipose fin (as in many characins) and a dark shoulder spot. The species comes from the fresh water of northern and central South America and lives in schools in slow, densely vegetated water of rivers and creeks. As an omnivore it eats insects, plant matter, zooplankton and detritus, taken in the water column and at the surface. In the rainy season it spawns among the water plants. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger species and occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Silver dollar tetra?
The Silver dollar tetra has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep, disc-shaped and strongly silvery little tetra with an adipose fin and a dark shoulder blotch; resembles a small silver dollar.
Where does the Silver dollar tetra live?
The Silver dollar tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of northern and central South America, in slow-moving, densely vegetated water of rivers and creeks.
How big does the Silver dollar tetra get?
The Silver dollar tetra grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Silver dollar tetra dangerous to humans?
No, the Silver dollar tetra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Silver dollar tetra edible?
The Silver dollar tetra is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
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Status & sources
Same genus Poptella
More from the family Characidae
Want the complete picture on the Silver dollar tetra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Silver dollar tetra is one of 12,519 species in the app.