Care
Juvenile Monos are often sold as brackish water fish, but as they mature, they will require more saline waters, leading up to full marine conditions as adults. For best results use a trusted synthetic marine sea salt and a hydrometer or refractometer to monitor the conditions. The aquarium itself must be of spacious dimensions for these active, fast swimmers, and although juveniles can be started off in a 4ft long tank, adult fish are going to require a tank measuring at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. In the wild, Monos are regularly found in sizeable congregations amidst bays, estuaries, mangroves and tidal creeks. As a species that tends to be semi-aggressive towards one other, it is best to keep them in groups of 8 or more specimens. This not only replicates a natural sized group, but it also usually has the desired effect of no one single fish bearing the continuous brunt of any pugnacious behaviour. The entire group should be introduced at the same time (monitor the water quality carefully) as newcomers "“ particularly smaller specimens - are often not welcomed. The tank should be aquascaped to include some shadier areas amongst large bogwood pieces and slate stood up at the back of the aquarium, along with resin "˜root"™ ornaments. If plants are desired, it is best to either pick robust species that are tolerant of salt or else use plastic or silk examples. Many softer leaved varieties of plants will be regarded as a tasty snack. A decent amount of filtration should be employed and areas of fast water movement created in the aquarium via additional powerheads. This will also help to keep O2 levels high. Sensitive to pollutants, the aquarium water should be kept in excellent condition at all times with frequent partial water changes. Archerfish, Scats, Finger Monos (Monodactylus sebae) and Green Chromides all make great companions. Be sure to cover the tank well as all these fish are expert jumpers. Juvenile Monos show brighter colours than adult specimens, and also display 2 vertical black bars. May also be seen on sale as Sea Angel.
Feeding
Flake, green flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules can be given, but frozen foods such as Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, Mysis shrimp, krill, prawns (chopped for smaller specimens) etc are preferred. It is important that these fish are provided with a good amount of vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, kale, Romaine lettuce, dried seaweed/Nori etc. Browses on certain types of algae. Will eat some soft-leaved aquatic plants!
Breeding
There are currently no reports of successful spawning of this species in captivity.
