Common name: Moonfish
General information
Monodactylus sebae, commonly known as the African Moony or Seba's Moonyfish, is a distinctive brackish water species that is also adaptable to full marine conditions. This fish is known for its diamond-shaped body and silver coloration with yellow to gold hues on the dorsal and anal fins. It is a schooling species in the wild and can grow up to 25 cm (10 inches) in length, although in aquariums they typically reach about 15 cm (6 inches).
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.005 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.3
- Average size
- 25 cm (10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adapts to marine conditions over time.
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet; flakes, live, and frozen foods.
- Social
- School Prefers groups, can be skittish solo.
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and small inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial, best with larger fish.
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyMoonfishMonodactylidae
- GenusMoonfishMonodactylus
- SpeciesMoonfishMonodactylus sebae (Cuvier, 1829)
- SynonymsChaetodon rhombeus Bloch & Schneider, 1801Psettias sebae (Cuvier, 1829)Psettus sebae Cuvier, 1829
Care
African Moonyfish require a spacious aquarium to accommodate their schooling behavior and active swimming habits. A minimum tank size of 200 liters (about 50 gallons) is recommended. They thrive in brackish water conditions but can also be acclimated to a marine environment. It is important to maintain stable water parameters and provide a varied diet consisting of both plant and animal matter.
Reproduction
Breeding Monodactylus sebae in captivity is challenging and not commonly achieved. In the wild, they spawn in groups, and the eggs are dispersed in the water column. The larvae are pelagic and would require specialized care if bred in an aquarium setting.
Habitat
The African Moony is native to coastal regions, estuaries, and mangrove swamps in West and Central Africa. They are often found in areas where freshwater meets the sea, which contributes to their tolerance for varying salinity levels.