African Mono (Monodactylus sebae) Care Guide
Monodactylus sebae is a tall-bodied West African mono with black vertical bars and high fins, becoming fully marine as an adult.
Overview
Monodactylus sebae, the African or sebae mono, is a tall-bodied fish of the family Monodactylidae with black vertical bars and very high dorsal and anal fins. It is a schooling species that becomes fully marine as an adult.
Taxonomy
- Family: Monodactylidae
- Genus: Monodactylus
- Scientific name: Monodactylus sebae
- Common synonym: Sebae Mono
Habitat
FishBase records the species along the West African coast from Cape Verde to Angola, including the Canary Islands and Senegal. It is pelagic-neritic and occurs in marine, brackish and freshwater conditions, favouring estuaries, lagoons, marshes and the lower courses of rivers.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 15-30 °dGH
- Group size: keep in groups of 5 or more
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Water type: brackish, trending marine with age
Diet
The African mono is an omnivore. FishBase reports it feeds on fish, shrimps, zooplankton and small invertebrates. In the aquarium it accepts a varied diet of meaty and plant-based foods, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful schooling fish best kept in groups. Suitable tankmates include scats and archerfish of similar size; small fish should be avoided.
Breeding
FishBase notes distinct pairing behaviour, with females producing over 15,000 eggs that hatch within about 24 hours.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated (per FishBase).