Are silver dollar fresh water fish related to piranha fish?

No, silver dollar fish are not related to piranha fish. They are completely different species with distinct evolutionary paths.

Here's why:

* Silver dollars belong to the family Characidae, a large and diverse group of fish primarily found in South America. They are known for their peaceful nature and their flat, disk-shaped bodies.

* Piranhas, on the other hand, are also members of the Characidae family, but they are part of a distinct subfamily known as Serrasalminae. This subfamily is characterized by their sharp teeth and predatory behavior.

While they share a common ancestor within the Characidae family, silver dollars and piranhas have evolved significantly differently, with their distinct characteristics reflecting their separate ecological niches.