African Moonyfish

Monodactylus sebae inhabits West African mangroves and estuaries from Senegal to Angola, where it schools in tidal channels. Its more elongated finnage gives it an even more striking profile than M. argenteus. Like all Monodactylus, it transitions from tolerating freshwater as a juvenile to preferring higher salinities as an adult.

Water: 24–28 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, specific gravity 1.005–1.015; raise salinity with age. Tank: 250 L minimum; tall tanks suit its disc shape; use robust, salt-tolerant décor. Feeding: Omnivorous; offer quality flake, pellets, frozen mysis, and vegetable matter. Behaviour: Active, fast-moving schooler; keep 5+ individuals; can be boisterous at feeding. Compatibility: Compatible with Scats, large brackish gobies, and other similarly-sized species.