Mono Argentus (Monodactylus argenteus) is also known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Mono Fish, Silver Moony, Moonfish, Silver Moonfish, Diamond Moonfish, Diamondfish, Mono, Silver Batfish, Fingerfish, Kitefish, Singapore Angelfish, or Malayan Angel.
Mono Argentus are widely distributed inland and throughout the coastal areas of the Red Sea, Australian coast, Eastern AFrica and Southeast Asia.
Mono Argentus is diamond-shaped, with a flat body that is shiny silver in color, with two vertical black stripes on the front half of the fish.
The first extends through the eye and the other just behind it, through the gill cover. The dorsal fin has a yellow tint with a black outline. The anal and caudal fins are colored a light yellow.
Juveniles have a brighter yellow dorsal fin which adds to their appeal to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.
Mono Argentus are nervous, peaceful fish that should be kept in schools of at least 6 or more specimens. Because they grow quite large, they need at least a 55 gallon tank as juveniles. As they become larger, they should be transitioned into a brackish water environment and placed into at least a 125 gallon aquarium.
Mono Argentus are the quintessential brackish water species. They are lively, durable, attractively patterned, active, entertaining and mix well with scats and other brackish water species.
They should be housed in a strong brackish water or marine tank with an aragonite sand or gravel substrate, lots of rocks and plants that can survive brackish water, moderate water movement, and good filtration.
Although Mono Argentus spawn in the ocean, the difference between the sexes and their breeding habits is unknown. The Monodactylus Argenteus has not been successfully bred in captivity however, there have been reports of accidental spawning activity which has never been successfully duplicated.
In the wild, Monos eat small fish, shrimp, and large amounts of vegetable matter. In an aquarium environment they should be provided with dried Spirulina, Seaweed, algae, peas, lettuce, brine shrimp, small bits of shrimp, bloodworms, and a quality omnivore flake food.
This species of Monodactylus, Mono Argentus (Monodactylus argenteus) is commonly available in tropical fish keeping shops as juveniles in sizes; Small: 3/4″ to 1-1/2″ and Medium: 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″.
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, KH 8-12, pH 7.2-8.4
Salinity: 1.006
Max. Size: 11″
Color Form: Silver, White, Black
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Multiple species brackish water tank
Origin: Thailand
Family: Monodactylidae
Life Span: 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate