I bought five Silver Dollars about two months ago and have a question about feeding these hungry little devils

. If I didn't know any better I would think these guys are Piranha's. I have been feeding them flake foods and Romain lettuce. They devour the lettuce I put in there really quick, but not quick enough before the head of lettuce goes bad / limp . Does anyone out there know how to preserve the lettuce for about a week
Also what is the best way to identify the females. The book I have says the males have the red tip on the bottom fin. It seems all of them have these when I look in the stores.
Thanks!