African Mono - Monodactylus sebae
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African Mono (Monodactylus sebae)
The African Mono, also known as the Sebae Mono, is a captivating brackish-water fish prized for its striking silver body with bold black markings. Native to coastal and estuarine environments in West Africa, this species is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a unique and active addition to their aquarium.
Product Details
- Species: Monodactylus sebae
- Common Names: African Mono, Sebae Mono
- Origin: Coastal and estuarine regions of West Africa
- Diet: Omnivorous
- pH Range: 7.5 – 8.5
- Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
- Maximum Size: Up to 20 cm (8 inches)
- Temperament: Peaceful, but active and schooling
- Available Size: Juvenile 6–8 cm
Care Guidelines
Aquarium Setup:
A minimum tank size of 200 litres is recommended for a group of African Monos, as they are active swimmers and thrive in schools of at least three to five individuals. The aquarium should have brackish water conditions with a salinity of 1.005–1.015. Use decorations like rocks, driftwood, and plants that tolerate slightly saline water to mimic their natural estuarine habitat.
Water Parameters:
Maintain a pH between 7.5 and 8.5 with a stable temperature range of 24°C to 28°C. Gradually increasing the salinity as the fish mature helps support their natural growth and longevity.
Diet:
African Monos are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Feed them a mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, and vegetable-based foods such as spirulina or algae wafers. Supplement their diet with occasional live or frozen treats like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp to enhance their health and coloration.
Behavior and Compatibility:
African Monos are peaceful and best kept in groups to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. They can be housed with other brackish water species or larger, non-aggressive tank mates. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or significantly smaller species.
Breeding Information
Breeding African Monos in captivity is uncommon due to their need for specific environmental conditions. They naturally breed in marine or higher-salinity environments, which can be challenging to replicate in home aquariums. Dedicated setups with precise control of water conditions may increase breeding success.
Availability:
The African Mono is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this elegant schooling species to your aquarium today!
| Size |
3-4cm |
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