Mono Angel

Monodactylus argenteus

Due to
variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen

Care

Juvenile Monos are often sold as brackish water fish, but
as they mature, they will require more saline waters, leading up to full marine
conditions as adults. For best results use a trusted synthetic marine sea salt
and a hydrometer or refractometer to monitor the conditions. The aquarium
itself must be of spacious dimensions for these active, fast swimmers, and
although juveniles can be started off in a 4ft long tank, adult fish are going
to require a tank measuring at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. In the wild, Monos are
regularly found in sizeable congregations amidst bays, estuaries, mangroves and
tidal creeks. As a species that tends to be semi-aggressive towards one other,
it is best to keep them in groups of 8 or more specimens. This not only
replicates a natural sized group, but it also usually has the desired effect of
no one single fish bearing the continuous brunt of any pugnacious behaviour.
The entire group should be introduced at the same time (monitor the water
quality carefully) as newcomers ? particularly smaller specimens - are often
not welcomed. The tank should be aquascaped to include some shadier areas
amongst large bogwood pieces and slate stood up at the back of the aquarium,
along with resin ?root? ornaments. If plants are desired, it is best to either
pick robust species that are tolerant of salt or else use plastic or silk
examples. Many softer leaved varieties of plants will be regarded as a tasty
snack. A decent amount of filtration should be employed and areas of fast water
movement created in the aquarium via additional powerheads. This will also help
to keep O2 levels high. Sensitive to pollutants, the aquarium water should be
kept in excellent condition at all times with frequent partial water changes.
Archerfish, Scats, Finger Monos (Monodactylus sebae) and Green Chromides all
make great companions. Be sure to cover the tank well as all these fish are
expert jumpers. Juvenile Monos show brighter colours than adult specimens, and
also display 2 vertical black bars. May also be seen on sale as Sea Angel.

Feeding

Flake, green flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules can be
given, but frozen foods such as Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, mosquito
larvae, Mysis shrimp, krill, prawns (chopped for smaller specimens) etc are
preferred. It is important that these fish are provided with a good amount of
vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, kale, Romaine lettuce, dried
seaweed/Nori etc. Browses on certain types of algae. Will eat some soft-leaved
aquatic plants!

Breeding

There are currently
no reports of successful spawning of this species in captivity