Common Name: Mono Sebae
Scientific Name: Monodactylus sebae
Other Names: African Moony, Sebae Monodactylus, African Fingerfish
The Mono Sebae is a uniquely shaped, laterally compressed fish known for its silver body with a distinctive black band running from the top of its dorsal fin through its eye. Unlike its close relative, Monodactylus argenteus, the Mono Sebae has a more elongated and angular body shape, giving it a distinct, almost triangular appearance. This species is highly active and requires a spacious aquarium with a gradual transition to brackish conditions as it matures.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to West Africa, Monodactylus sebae is found along the coastal estuaries, mangroves, and lower river systems from Senegal to Angola. Juveniles often inhabit freshwater environments, while adults migrate to brackish and marine waters. They are highly adaptable and thrive in habitats with fluctuating salinity.
Size and Lifespan:
This species can grow up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in captivity, making it slightly larger than Monodactylus argenteus. With proper care, they can live for 8-12 years.
Diet and Behavior:
Mono Sebae is an omnivore that consumes small crustaceans, insects, algae, and detritus in the wild. In captivity, they require a varied diet of high-quality omnivore pellets, spirulina-based foods, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and chopped tilapia. They are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least five to reduce stress and aggressive behaviors.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Monodactylus sebae in captivity is extremely rare, as they require brackish to full marine conditions for spawning. In the wild, they spawn in coastal waters, where the larvae develop before migrating into estuaries. There are no well-documented cases of captive breeding.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 150 gallons is required for a group of juveniles, with a larger tank (200+ gallons) necessary for adults. Their ideal tank setup includes a sandy substrate, driftwood, and rock formations to mimic estuarine environments, strong filtration with high oxygenation, moderate to strong water flow to replicate tidal conditions, and a gradual transition from freshwater to brackish water as they mature.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Mono Sebae are peaceful but active and should be housed with similarly sized, brackish-compatible fish. Suitable tank mates include Scats, Archerfish, Colombian Shark Catfish (Ariopsis seemanni), Brackish Puffers, and other large, fast-moving fish that can tolerate brackish conditions. Avoid slow-moving or small fish that may be outcompeted for food.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. They require a gradual transition to brackish water, a large tank, and a well-oxygenated environment.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
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pH: 7.5-8.5
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General Hardness (GH): 10-20 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 8-15 dKH
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Salinity: 1.005-1.018 SG (brackish to marine)
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Juveniles can tolerate freshwater but should gradually be transitioned to brackish water as they mature.
- They require strong filtration and aeration due to their preference for oxygen-rich environments.
- Their fast swimming and active nature mean they need plenty of open space.
Mono Sebae is a beautiful and active species that thrives in a well-maintained, brackish-water aquarium. With proper care and space, they make a rewarding addition for aquarists who can accommodate their salinity and size requirements.
