Edit Metynnis maculatus

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Name

Scientific name

Metynnis maculatus

Described by

Authority Kner, Year 1858, Bracketed

Family

Serrasalmidae

Common names

Spotted Metynnis

Photograph credits

All 1 credited

Summary

The spotted metynnis, Metynnis maculatus, is a silver dollar probably confined to the upper rio Madeira and upper rio Paraguai in Bolivia a…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

148mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 180 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–28°C, pH 5–7.5

Hardness

1–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Not recorded

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Bolivia, Brazil, Amazon, Guaporé, Jauru, Machupo, Madeira, Mamore

Writing

Etymology

Metynnis: from the Ancient Greek μετά (metá), meaning 'after, beyond', and maculatus: from the Latin maculatus, meaning 'spotted'.

Distribution

This species' range is unclear with records extending from Guyana to the upper and lower Amazon basins in Peru and Brazil, respectively. However, it is probabl…

Habitat

Not written yet

Aquarium size

An aquarium with dimensions of 180 ∗ 45 ∗ 45 cm or equivalent should be the smallest considered.

Maintenance

Choice of décor is not as critical as water quality and the amount of open swimming-space provided; we have seen very healthy-looking specimens being maintaine…

Choice of décor is not as critical as water quality and the amount of open swimming-space provided; we have seen very healthy-looking specimens being maintained in completely bare set-ups for example.

That said, a set-up decorated with a sandy substrate, driftwood roots and branches, and perhaps some water-worn rocks and boulders would provide a more natural-looking spectacle. Aquatic plants are best omitted since they will almost certainly be eaten.

It is intolerant of organic waste and require spotless water in order to thrive. Moderate levels of dissolved oxygen and water movement are also recommended, meaning additional powerheads, pumps, etc., should be employed as necessary, while weekly water changes of 30-50% should be considered mandatory.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

Web address

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

Journal or publisher

Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

Metynnis spp. are omnivorous opportunists feeding on invertebrates, smaller fishes, algae, fruit, nuts, aquatic and terrestrial plants. In the aquarium, offer …

Behaviour and compatibility

Not usually aggressive but only appropriate for very large tanks containing robust, similarly-sized tankmates. There are plenty of suitable choices including m…

Sexual dimorphism

Males possess extended anterior anal-fin rays with the fin thus appearing to be notched medially, a dark spot above the pectoral-fin origin, small dark spots i…

Reproduction

Unrecorded in aquaria. This species has been introduced to the Lajes reservoir, southeastern Brazil, where it was found to exhibit an opportunistic reproductiv…

Notes

Following the most recent diagnosis by Zarske and Géry (1999), M. maculatus can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: rel…

References

6 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References