Monodactylus argenteus (Moon Fish)

Monodactylus Argenteus is a fish from the monodactylidae family, commonly known as the polefish. He is from the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, where he lives in shallow waters near coral reefs. This fish is characterized by its oblong and elongated shape, with a caudal bifide fin and shiny scales which give it a silver appearance hence its name. The monodactylus argenteus is generally silver gray in color, with black spots on the head and back. Its adult size is generally about 15 cm, although some individuals can reach a length of 20 cm.

Monodactylus Argenteus is a gregarious fish that lives in benches often comprising hundreds of individuals. It feeds mainly on plankton and small invertebrates which it captures by filtering the water with its fins. This fish is also known for its ability to eat by putting itself in a vertical position and aspiring its food on the surface of the water. Monodactylus Argenteus is a peaceful fish and can be maintained in community aquarium with other species of peaceful fish. It is often used as an ornamental fish in sea water aquariums due to its shiny color and lively and active behavior.

Monodactylus Argenteus is an hermaphrodite fish, which means that it has reproductive organs of both sexes. Individuals can change sex depending on the environmental conditions and the reproductive needs of the colony. Reproduction generally occurs during the rainy season, when fish come together to spawn in shallow waters near coral reefs. The eggs are laid on submerged surfaces and are fertilized by neighboring individuals. The larvae are released in water and develop quickly, reaching sexual maturity in a few weeks.

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Ponte in a tank of at least 300 liters filled with brackish water whose salinity has been lowered, by successive partial renewals, between 10 and 15 %. 1000. About 15,000 eggs from 0.8 to 0.9 mm in diameter are expelled in full water where they float and derive according to the current. Eclosions after 24 hours to 26-27 ° C. Despite a planktonic diet, the fry undergoes significant mortality.