Species profile
Mono Argentus
Monodactylus argenteus
Peaceful
Hard care
650 L minimum aquarium
20–27 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 8
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Not a permanent freshwater fish. Adult husbandry should progress toward full marine conditions.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
12–25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 8
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.5
Fast schooling fish with conspecific aggression; keep eight or more to diffuse hierarchy.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
650 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Monodactylus argenteus
Alternative names
Silver Mono, Silver Moony
Native range
Indo-West Pacific coastal and estuarine systems.
Natural habitat
Juveniles use estuaries/brackish water; adults are best maintained at increasingly marine salinity. Provide a 180 cm+ long, open, powerfully filtered aquarium.
Diet & feeding
Quality marine/brackish omnivore foods, algae/plant matter and varied frozen invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Reliable external sexing is not established.
Breeding
Not routinely bred in home aquaria; reproductive migration/salinity requirements make it specialist.