Fin's Fish Guide
The Silver dollar tetra (Poptella compressa) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows up to 10 cm.
South America; calm to moderately flowing rivers and creeks of the Amazon basin and surrounding area.
Description
The silver dollar tetra is a South American characin of the family Characidae from the Amazon and surrounding drainages. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silver-shining, nearly disc-shaped body, sometimes with a dark shoulder spot. It lives in schools in quiet to moderately flowing rivers and creeks. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small invertebrates, algae and plant matter. With its shining, disc-shaped body it superficially resembles the true silver dollars (Metynnis). As a small schooling fish it is harmless to humans.
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, silvery disc-shaped body that resembles a silver dollar; small shoaling fish.
Where does the Silver dollar tetra live?
The Silver dollar tetra lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America; calm to moderately flowing rivers and creeks of the Amazon basin and surrounding area.
How big does the Silver dollar tetra get?
The Silver dollar tetra grows to a maximum of about 10 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
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
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.