Mono Argent - Brackish 5cm

Mono Argent 
 

The Mono Argent has quite easily got to be one of the most intriguing fish in the aquarium hobby because of how it can thrive in a fresh, brackish, and saltwater setting. These fish are usually a go-to consideration when it comes to brackish water systems but in whatever type of tank they are kept in, the active nature, metallic colouration, and unique body shape make them really cool fish. These fish make for a great alternative to the more common South American silver dollar species and have very similar behavioral and diet traits. 

These fish have an oval body shape but they tend to look more diamond-like due to the symmetric, pointed dorsal and ventral fins. They have a bright metallic silver body colour from head to tail that can show shades of yellow, and green as they reflect light. This is further contrasted with yellow fins that have a black rim. Mono Argents also have 2 unique black stripes that pass through their large eye and just past the gill plate. The mono sebae grows to a decent length of around 15 cm and will get an equal length in height so they do have a large footprint. They are however really thin fish which just makes them such an oddball species when you see them zooming in the aquarium. Though the mono argent can live in fully freshwater settings, as they mature it is better to add some salt to the water and eventually keep them in a brackish or even a full salt system as mature fish are almost exclusively found in marine conditions. 

In terms of breeding these unique, oddball fish there are no records of successful reproduction in the home aquarium. Since these fish can travel between freshwater and saltwater multiple times in their life their breeding cycle most likely involves both of these environments which can be hard to replicate in the home aquarium. The mono argent has a massive geographical range as it can thrive in full saltwater conditions, they can be found in the Red Sea, Australia, East Africa, and all throughout Southeast Asia. 

Tank Recommendations for your Mono Argent

As the mono argent has a large footprint and prefers to be kept in schools of at least 3 fish or more, it is best to keep it in an aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 liters. This ensures that they have ample swimming space since these are active fish. 

The mono argent is almost exclusively a pelagic fish so it's best to keep them in a system with minimal obstructions. Having large amounts of driftwood can lead to injury in the event that these fish get spooked. There can be some places of refuge like caves of short pieces of wood but these fish will not tend to use them often. Mono Argents are also plant safe however any finer-leafed plants such as ambulia may be at risk of being eaten. These are also tropical fish that are best kept at 24-26 degrees.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The mono argent is a fairly peaceful species, there have been reports that they can chase around smaller tank mates however in a large aquarium they should be fine with most fish.

Usually Compatible

Mono sebae, mudskippers, scats, freshwater mullet, shortfin eel, rainbow fish, and similar species. 

Sometimes Compatible

Smaller species like blue eyes and semi-aggressive South American cichlids like convicts or fire mouths. 

Rarely Compatible

Any nano fish like neon tetras, endless guppies, shrimp, and large predator fish such as barramundi could make a meal of the mono argent. 

Feeding your Mono Argent

The mono argent should take to a wide range of aquarium foods. When they are kept in a group, these fish can show awesome feeding frenzy behaviour. It is best to feed these fish a varied diet that consists of plant and protein matter. The ideal diet would be a good quality pellet or flake food, supplemented with nori sheets and mysis shrimp.