🐟 Mono Fish (Monodactylus argenteus)
🐟 Mono Fish (Monodactylus argenteus)
Active Schooling Fish • Brackish-to-Marine Species • Hardy Display Fish
📋 The Mono Fish (Monodactylus argenteus) is a beautiful silver schooling fish with a round, disc-like body, yellow-tipped fins, and black-edged markings. They are often sold as juveniles that tolerate freshwater, but for long-term health they must be gradually shifted to brackish and eventually marine conditions as adults.
Monos are peaceful, active swimmers that do best in groups of 5 or more. They require large aquariums with strong filtration and swimming space. Their silvery sheen and active schooling behavior make them excellent display fish for brackish aquariums.
💡 Highlights
✨ Silver disc-shaped body – eye-catching centerpiece
⚪ Brackish to marine species – needs salinity transition as it grows
📏 Grows up to 10" – requires large aquariums
✅ Peaceful schooling fish – best in groups
🐠 Long-lived and hardy – suitable for advanced aquarists
🧾 A Quick Look at the Mono Fish
📛 Common Name: Mono Fish / Silver Moony / Mono Argentus
🔬 Scientific Name: Monodactylus argenteus
👨👩👧 Family: Monodactylidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific region (East Africa to Australia, Southeast Asia)
📏 Max Size: 18 – 25 cm (≈ 7 – 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 species
🪸 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
