SILVER MONO

Introduction

• Common Names: Silver Mono, Silver Moony, Fingerfish
• Natural Habitat: Native to brackish estuaries, coastal areas, and river mouths throughout the Indo-West Pacific region, including East Africa and Southeast Asia.

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Disc-shaped, silvery body with a slight sheen; yellowish-tinted fins and a faint black outline along the dorsal and anal fins.
• Size: Can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: Typically lives 7-10 years in well-maintained conditions.

Habitat Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum of 55 gallons for juveniles; larger tanks are needed for adults due to their active swimming habits.
• Water Conditions:
  • Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
  • pH: 7.5-8.5, with slightly brackish water recommended (1.005-1.015 salinity)
• Aquascaping: Requires open swimming areas; minimal decorations with a sandy substrate and some hardy plants or driftwood are ideal.

Diet

• Primary Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on small invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus in the wild.
• Supplemental Feeding: Offer quality flake foods, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2-3 times daily, offering small portions.

Compatibility

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be semi-aggressive if overcrowded or stressed.
• Suitable Tank Mates: Ideal with other brackish or similarly sized, peaceful species; avoid very small or slow-moving tank mates.
• Incompatibilities: Avoid fin-nipping or aggressive species, as well as very small fish.

Care Level

• Difficulty: Moderate; requires brackish water and a stable environment.
• Health Monitoring: Monitor for typical brackish water fish diseases and ensure stable salinity and water parameters.

Breeding

• Breeding in Captivity: Rarely bred in home aquariums; little is known about their specific breeding behavior in captivity.
• Spawning: Typically spawn in the wild in large schools.

Economic Considerations

• Market Demand: Popular for brackish community tanks due to their attractive appearance and active nature.
• Pricing: Moderately priced; availability depends on size and region.

Conclusion
The Silver Mono is a striking fish that brings energy and activity to larger brackish or marine setups. Its hardiness and unique silver coloration make it a popular choice for experienced aquarists who can meet its space and water requirements.