🐟 Mono Sebae (Monodactylus sebae)
🐟 Mono Sebae (Monodactylus sebae)
Active Schooling Fish • Brackish-to-Marine Species • Hardy Display Fish
📋 The Mono Sebae (Monodactylus sebae) is a bold, triangular-bodied moony fish with two distinctive vertical black bands running across its body. This pattern makes it stand out from the more common Silver Mono (M. argenteus), which lacks strong banding.
Juveniles are sometimes kept in freshwater, but for long-term health they must be shifted into brackish and eventually marine aquariums. Active and schooling by nature, they should be kept in groups of 5 or more to prevent stress and aggression.
Hardy, attractive, and always on the move, Mono Sebaes are excellent centerpiece fish for large brackish or marine aquariums.
💡 Highlights
✨ Triangular body with black bands – unique from Silver Monos
⚪ Brackish to marine species – requires salinity transition
📏 Can grow up to 10" – large, showy display fish
✅ Hardy schooling species – thrives in groups of 5+
🐠 Long-lived and peaceful – suitable for advanced aquarists
🧾 A Quick Look at the Mono Sebae
📛 Common Name: Mono Sebae / Sebae Mono / African Moony
🔬 Scientific Name:Monodactylus sebae
👨👩👧 Family: Monodactylidae
🌍 Origin: West Africa (Senegal to Angola, estuaries, and rivers)
📏 Max Size: 20 – 25 cm (≈ 8 – 10")
💧 pH Range: 7.5 – 8.5
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Intermediate – requires salinity transition as it matures
💖 Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
🪸 Reef Safe: Semi – may nip at corals/algae in marine tanks
🏠 Min Tank Size: 300 L (75 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Mid to top swimmer
🧬 Captive Bred:❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 7 – 10 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (algae, flakes, pellets, small invertebrates)
🐣 Reproduction: Not bred in aquariums; spawns in the wild
