Silver Dollar

A tall, flat, silver fish shaped like a coin, and the classic Silver Dollar. It lives in shoals, and it eats plants, so plastic or tough plants are the only ones that last.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Mature females are usually rounder in the belly, and males are usually slimmer and often brighter.

A long tank with open swimming water, plants around the edges and steady filtration suits this fish. A darker substrate and some floating plants usually bring out its colour.

Active and social, and most settled when kept with its own kind.

Keep a group of at least 6, and more if you can. Larger groups are calmer and show better colour and behaviour.

Not territorial, although males may spar and display.

Suits a community of similar-sized, peaceful fish that like the same water. Avoid large predators, which will treat it as food. It is likely to eat shrimp.

Keep the pH steady, because this fish is sensitive to swings. Keep the temperature steady.

A plant-eating schooling fish. Feed vegetable-based pellets and fresh greens such as blanched courgette and peas.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

An egg scatterer with no parental care. Adults eat eggs and fry, so use a separate tank with fine plants, moss or mesh on the bottom, and remove the adults after spawning. The fry need very small foods at first.