PERCHES
MONODACTYLIDAE FAMILY
The Monodactylidae or Fingerfish family inhabits brackish water river estuaries and frequently ventures into both fresh and marine habitats. Fingerfish are schooling fish which live in the coastal regions Africa,Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Mono, Fingerfish, False Angelfish, Malaysian Angelfish, Silver Mono [
Monodactylus argenteus
SYN : Acanthopodus argenteus, Centogaster rhombeus, Centropodus rhombeus, Chaetodon argenteus, Monodactylus rhombeus, Psettus argenteus, P. rhombeus
PD : A tall, disc-shaped fish with lateral compression. The head is small, as is the mouth. The eyes are large and have a black band running through them. The dorsal and anal fins are almost opposite one other and the edge of the caudal fin is straight. The body is silver to white in color while the dorsal and caudal fins are green to orange to yellow. The front edge of the anal fin is black. Young often have a black line running across the gill cover connecting with the black of the anal fin.
SIZE : To 10" (25 cm)
SS : Other Monodactylus species.
HAB : In coastal lakes, estuaries, rivers, and lagoons in fresh, brackish, and sea water. Red Sea, Southeast Asia, Australia, East African Coast. Occasionally inhabits salt water reefs.
S : all
TANK : A tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a capacity from 35-45 gallons (132-170 L)is sufficient for a single school. Large tanks are recommended. Use a tank with good aeration and plenty of hiding places. Plants tolerant of brackish water may be used, although the Mono may nibble on their leaves. Use a substrate of fine gravel, or preferably coral sand. Use an efficient filter for this greedy eater.
WATER : pH 7-8.5 (7.2), 8-20 dH (10), 75-82°F (24-28°C). A 1-2% addition of salt is suggested. Add 7.5-15 TSP of salt per 10 gallons (10-20 g/10 L).
SB : The Mono can be combined with other large, hardy brackish water species. Small fish may be eaten. Monos are timid and easily frightened, and should not be combined with substantially larger fish. A schooling fish by nature that should be kept in groups of at least five.
SC : Scats, Archerfish, Puffers, Arius
FOOD : Live; small fish, small crabs, shrimp, worms, insect larvae ; pellets; peas; lettuce;spinach; flakes; plant debris.
SEX : Too difficult to distinguish.
B : Unsuccessful in captivity
BP : 10. No reports of captive spawnings.
R :Young can be kept in freshwater, but prefer brackish. As they grow, more salt should be added since adults do best in pure salt water. Young have better colors, which fade with age.
DC : 7. This brackish water species requires frequent partial water changes and live foods.
Striped Mono, Striped Fingerfish, African Angelfish, Seba Mono [
Psettus sebae
SYN : Monodactylus sebae
PD : A tall, disc-shaped fish with lateral compression. The head is small, as is the mouth. The eyes are large and have a black band running through them. The dorsal and anal fins are almost opposite one other and the edge of the tail is almost straight. The body is silver to white in color while the fins are body colored. The front edge of the anal and dorsal fins is black. This species has a black line running across the gill cover connecting with the black of the anal fin. The back edge of the anal and dorsal fins is also black.
SIZE : To 8" (20 cm)
SS : Monodactylus species.
HAB : In estuaries of Zaire and Senegal rivers on the coast of West Africa.
S : all
TANK : 36" (90 cm) or 35 gallons (132 L). Follow suggestions for M. argenteus .
WATER : pH 7-8.5 (7.7), 12-30 dH (16), 75-82°F (24-28°C). A 3% addition of salt is required. Add 23 TSP. of salt to every 10 gallons of water (30 g/10 L).
SB : As for M. argenteus.
SC : As for M. argenteus.
FOOD : Live; small fish, small crabs, shrimp, worms, insect larvae ; pellets; peas; lettuce; spinach; flakes; plant debris.
SEX : Too hard to distinguish
B :Spawning immediately follows a simple courtship where the male circles the female. About 4, 000 eggs are laid. These hatch in 24-60 hours. Start feeding with newly hatched Brine Shrimp and other small live foods.
BP : 10. Spawning has been accomplished only a few times to date, and few details pertaining to water composition are available.
R : This saltwater species may occasionally visit freshwater habitats and should not be considered a freshwater species.
DC : 8. This species requires brackish or salt water and a regime of frequent partial water changes.