| ||Freshwater > Fish > Monodactylidae |
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| || ||Monodactylus Argenteus (Mono, Silver Moony, Fingerfish) || |
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| ||Quick Ref. || |
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|Species: Monodactylus Argenteus |
|Geo. Location: Coast of Africa, Asia |
|PH: 7.2 - 8.5 |
|Temperature: 72 - 80F |
|Water Hardness: 8 - 14dh |
|Size: 4.0" |
|Diet: Flakes, live/frozen/dry foods |
|Difficulty: 3 || |
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| ||Notes: Monodactylus Argenteus is a very active, turbulent fish. Its silver body is in a triangular shape. Its fins are silver with yellow reflections and a black trim. Its eyes are relatively big and are crossed with a dark ray. A second ray goes from the top of its body to the opercules. This fish has very small scales and are very bright with good lighting. |
Monos are fast swimmers and quite turbulents. Young, they are usually peaceful but become more agressive as they grow. They also loose their colors to become totally silver as they become older. Monos are voracious. They will eat most common commercial foods as well as algaes and vegetables. They will nibble on soft plants
It is recommended to keep these fish in schools of at least three. At least 55 gallon of water is required for this fish to develop and thrive. The tank should have roots and rocks to provide Monos with hidding areas. Some rooted plants are also appreciated from these fish (smaller, softer plants with no roots could be eaten). Plants will have to be ok with brackish water. A powerful filtration is also required as these fish get bigger.
Monodactylus Argenteus will require salt water as they grow. Youngs can be raised in freshwater but they usually do better in brackish then saltwater tanks. If kept in freshwater when adults, water will have to be very alkaline (ph over 8) for them to prosper. In the wild, Monos go up streams and rivers to spawn. The youngs then go down these streams and get used to saltier waters. At maturity, Monos are used to fully marine water and are found in the coastal areas of Africa, Asia and in Australia. In captivity, Monodactylus Argenteus can live up to 10 years.
|Breeding: Very little is known about their breeding habits. Some hobbyists report that its cousin (Monodactylus Sebae) has been bred in aquarium, but virtually no information is available on breeding Silver Moony. |
Their sexual diphormism is inexistent and they appear to be egglayers.
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