{"product_id":"mono-argentus","title":"Mono Argentus","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBiosecurity Shipping Limitations apply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShipping Allowed?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 79.3752px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eTasmania\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00ff80;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eWestern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00ff2a;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eNorthern Territory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003eAll Other States\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mono Argentus (Monodactylus argenteus), also known as the Silver Moony or Silver Mono, is an attractive and highly active fish recognised for its distinctive diamond-shaped body, shimmering silver colouration and striking black vertical markings. Belonging to the family Monodactylidae, this species is popular among aquarists looking for an unusual schooling fish for larger brackish and marine aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Indo-West Pacific, including Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia and the Red Sea, Mono Argentus inhabit coastal environments such as mangrove forests, tidal creeks, estuaries, harbours and sheltered reefs. They are highly adaptable to changing salinity and can naturally be found in freshwater, brackish and fully marine environments. Juveniles are particularly common in estuaries and freshwater-influenced habitats, while adults are more commonly associated with brackish and marine conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAppearance and Behaviour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMono Argentus have a distinctive, laterally compressed diamond-shaped body with a bright metallic silver finish. Two prominent dark vertical bands cross the front portion of the body, one passing through the eye and another behind the gill cover. Their dorsal, anal and tail fins can display attractive yellow colouring, particularly in younger specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs they mature, their body becomes deeper and more rounded, with adult fish developing a more streamlined silver appearance. They are fast, confident swimmers that naturally form large schools, creating an impressive display when maintained in suitable groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquarium Suitability and Compatibility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMono Argentus are best suited to large brackish or marine aquariums with plenty of open swimming space. Their active schooling behaviour and eventual adult size mean they are not suitable for small aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most important considerations when keeping this species is salinity. Juveniles can tolerate freshwater and lower-salinity brackish environments, but they naturally move towards higher salinity as they mature. Adults can be maintained in marine conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor long-term care, a high-brackish to marine environment is generally recommended, with any salinity changes made gradually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are semi-aggressive but generally coexist well with other robust fish of similar size. Suitable companions may include Scats, Archerfish, larger brackish-water gobies and appropriately selected marine community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMono Argentus are not suitable tank mates for very small fish or delicate species that may be intimidated by their constant activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMono Argentus are omnivores and naturally feed on plankton, small invertebrates, algae and organic material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, they readily accept a wide variety of prepared and frozen foods, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuality omnivore pellets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarine and tropical flakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrozen brine shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMysis shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChopped prawns and seafood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpirulina-based foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNori and other marine algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVegetable-based aquarium foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet containing both plant and animal matter is important for maintaining good condition and healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed once or twice daily, providing enough food for the entire group without compromising water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large aquarium with excellent filtration is essential. Mono Argentus are active swimmers and produce considerable waste, particularly when maintained in groups and fed regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a long aquarium with substantial open swimming areas, good water movement and stable water conditions. They are particularly impressive when kept in groups of five or more, which helps encourage natural schooling behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause their salinity requirements can change throughout their development, it is important to establish the current water conditions of the fish before introducing them into an aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith adequate space, appropriate salinity and a balanced diet, Mono Argentus make an impressive addition to large brackish or marine community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Requirement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetails\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMono Argentus \/ Silver Moony\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonodactylus argenteus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonodactylidae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndo-West Pacific\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustralian Distribution\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorthern and coastal Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to Advanced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUp to 25–27 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum Aquarium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e570 litres recommended\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.8–8.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecific Gravity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVariable; approximately 1.008–1.025+ depending on life stage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwimming Level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMid-level \/ Open water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot recommended\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquarium Type\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrackish \/ Marine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSocial Behaviour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchooling; groups of 5+ recommended\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended Aquarium Setup\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge aquarium with plenty of open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep in groups of five or more where possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong biological and mechanical filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood water movement and oxygenation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable salinity appropriate to the fish's life stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatible, robust community tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalinity is not a fixed species-wide requirement. Juveniles and adults naturally occupy different salinity environments. Adult size and aquarium volume recommendations should account for their schooling behaviour and active swimming habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Are Mono Argentus freshwater or saltwater fish?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMono Argentus are naturally found in freshwater, brackish and marine environments. Juveniles commonly inhabit freshwater-influenced estuaries, while adults generally move towards higher-salinity brackish and marine environments. They are best considered a brackish-to-marine species for long-term aquarium planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. How big do Mono Argentus grow?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey can reach approximately 25–27 cm, making them a substantial aquarium fish. Their adult size and schooling behaviour should be considered before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Can Mono Argentus live in freshwater?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles can tolerate freshwater conditions, particularly when the water is appropriately mineralised. However, freshwater should not automatically be assumed suitable for their entire lifespan. Long-term care should account for their natural movement towards higher salinity as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Should Mono Argentus be kept in groups?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are naturally schooling fish and are best maintained in groups of five or more, provided the aquarium is large enough to accommodate them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. What do Mono Argentus eat?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are omnivores and accept a varied diet of quality pellets, flakes, frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, spirulina and marine algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. Can Mono Argentus live with other fish?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are suitable for larger brackish and marine community aquariums containing robust fish of compatible size. Avoid very small fish, delicate species and slow-moving tank mates that may struggle with their active behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Keeping them in small aquariums: Mono Argentus grow considerably larger than their juvenile appearance suggests and require substantial swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Keeping them individually: They are naturally schooling fish and generally display better behaviour when maintained in appropriate groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Ignoring changing salinity requirements: Their natural habitat changes throughout their development. Juvenile freshwater tolerance does not mean adults should automatically be kept in freshwater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Changing salinity too quickly: Rapid changes can cause significant stress. Always acclimate gradually when transitioning between different salinity environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. Providing an inadequate diet: Feeding only standard flakes or pellets does not provide the dietary variety these omnivores benefit from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. Underestimating their filtration requirements: Active schooling fish produce considerable waste. Strong filtration, good oxygenation and regular maintenance are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51071859163275,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/mono-argentusapex-aquatic-6831709.webp?v=1793948653","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/mono-argentus","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}