Mono Fish (Monodactylus Argenteus)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : White, Yellow

Diet : Omnivore

Water Conditions : 75-82° F, KH 8-12, pH 7.2-8.4

Max. Size : 10"

Origin : Africa, Asia

Family : Monodactylidae

Minimum Tank Size : 50-125 gallons

Mono Fish (Monodactylus Argenteus)  is a species of fish in the family Monodactylidae, the moonyfishes. 

The Mono Argentus is a diamond-shaped, silver in color, and has two black stripes on the front half of the fish. The dorsal fin has a yellow tint with a black outline. Two vertical black stripes adorn the front, one running through the eye and a second across the gill. When they are young they also have a bright yellow dorsal fin which adds to their appeal. 

The Mono Argentus grows very large and requires an aquarium of at least 50 gallons. As they become larger, they should be transitioned into a brackish water environment and placed into at least a 125 gallon aquarium. These fish love swimming all over the aquarium. Given their size and activity level, opt for a large, rectangular tank. A substrate consisting of aragonite sand or gravel is preferred.

These fish are schooling fish. They do get aggressive with their own kind, so it is important to keep this species in groups of 5 and more. If you try keeping these fish in trios or duos, they might not get a sufficient outlet for their aggression. They can also be peaceful tank mates for other fish species. Don’t keep small fish, shrimps, crabs, or snails because these fish might eat them.

You should also not keep larger semi-aggressive or aggressive species of fish because this mono species will feel threatened. Be sure to never keep Angelfish and Monodactylus Argenteus in the same tank.

It is easy to feed these fish because of their omnivorous diet. it is important that you maintain a balance between frozen, dried and fresh foods. Monodactylus Argenteus can be fed flakes, pellets, a variety of meats, some coarse foods like shrimp, bloodworms, etc. as well as some vegetables. This species prefers to feed several times a day.

Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/2" Medium: 1-1/2"-2"