Silver mono angel fish (Monodactylus argenteus) can be challenging to care for, yet are popular aquarium fish species. Omnivorous in diet, they require live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms along with frozen and flaked foods as well as blanched lettuce or peas as part of a balanced diet plan.
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Feeding
The Mono Angel Fish (Monodactylus argenteus) is one of the more exciting species found in aquarium trade. While they can be tricky to keep alive, experienced aquarists should find these captivating aquatic beauties especially rewarding to maintain as they require larger tank spaces, higher salt levels and an altered pH levels from most other fish species.
They can be kept in freshwater, brackish and marine aquariums; while in nature they inhabit estuaries, mangroves and fresh water tidal pools across Africa, Asia and Australia. Their silver color features yellow highlights on both anal and dorsal fins; they have two vertical black stripes adorning the front of their face for added visual interest.
They are generally peaceful fish but may chase away smaller tank mates. Scats, Archerfish and Gobies as well as semi-aggressive South American Cichlids make excellent tankmates; these species respond well to various types of pellets or flake foods, bloodworms, brine shrimp and algae wafers as food items.
Breeding
An angelfish pair that plans on spawning should be housed in an aquarium with water that closely resembles what they would experience in its natural habitat, in order to create an environment in which they feel secure enough and prepared for reproduction. Raise the temperature slightly, do a 75% water change while being mindful to condition and test pH, add plant material as well as something fibrous where their eggs can be placed – such as spawning mop or other decontaminated props on which to deposit their eggs.
Angelfish tend to be peaceful, yet territorial fish that will defend their breeding site from other fish. Angelfish thrive best in an aquarium community alongside other non-aggressive cichlids but should be kept separate from small fish or shrimp as these could become prey for angelfish.
Ideal tank mates include larger Mollies, Scats, Archerfish (only brackish species), Gobies (only brackish varieties) and African Cichlids of comparable size. Scavenger fish should also be present for added security in your aquatic home.
Care
The Silver Mono Angel Fish (Monodactylus argenteus) is an impressive species that requires an experienced aquarist to properly take care of. With its flat disc-shaped body of silvery shimmer, and jet-black stripe on its dorsal fin edge. This active species likes exploring its tank habitat while searching for food – however this peaceful species should not be housed with smaller species like shrimps or snails as this will damage both of their feelers! Also not suitable is housing it alongside freshwater angelfish as their feelers might become incompatible over time!
Aquariums must contain a range of flake and pellet foods, live bloodworms, brine shrimp, vegetables such as boiled peas, spinach, zucchini and shredded lettuce as well as rocks, driftwood branches and plants for stocking purposes.
Health
Mono argentus, commonly referred to as silver moonfish, Malayan angel fish or fingerfish is an omnivorous brackish water fish with shimmering silver scales and yellow or jet-black fin stripes that is found worldwide. They consume plant matter as well as detritus, insects and crustaceans when feeding in nature.
Mono argentus tank fishes are perfect for beginners as they do not require complex diets but remain lively and entertaining to watch. For optimal conditions, large aquariums with sand or fine gravel substrate, rocks and pieces of driftwood would work best; its diet includes live and frozen foods as well as flake food and even vegetable-rich salads like lettuce and zucchini leaves!
It is generally peaceful fish that gets along well with other types of aquatic life; however, smaller, aggressive species should not be housed together as this could result in bullying by the larger one. Furthermore, it is susceptible to disease and requires high quality water with frequent 30% water changes for optimal health; any sign of illness includes slimy patches on its skin, dull or clamped fins, open sores or respiratory symptoms as symptoms of sickness.
