Metynnis

Metynnis
Metynnis hypsauchen
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Serrasalmidae
Subfamily: Serrasalminae
Genus: Metynnis
Cope, 1878
Type species
Metynnis luna
Cope, 1878

Metynnis is a genus of serrasalmid fish from tropical and subtropical South America. They are herbivorous or omnivorous, and inhabit a wide range of freshwater habitats, ranging from rivers and streams (both fast- and slow-flowing), to floodplains, flooded forests, lakes, pools and reservoirs. They generally reach 8–15 cm (3–6 in) in standard length, although a few species may reach up to 18 cm (7 in). The genus contains many of the species known as silver dollars in the aquarium trade.

Though part of the subfamily Serrasalminae, members of this genus are not commonly called piranhas, due to their largely herbivorous diets.