Silver Moonyfish

Monodactylus argenteus

Size: Up to 27 cm.
Lifespan: Up to 10 years.
Food: Zooplankton and phytoplankton.

Can live in many different environments

The silver moonyfish lives in small schools and has an amazing adaptability to different environments such as coral reefs, mangrove swamps, the open sea, harbours, and brackish water. It can also survive in freshwater rivers and tidewater streams. The silver moonyfish is a voracious predator. It is a long-lived species, but as the fish grows older it becomes significantly paler in colour.

At school of silver moonyfish swimming under a pier.
Photo: TANAKA-Juuyoh-CC-BY

Popular aquarium fish caught in the wild

As of today, attempts to breed silver moonyfish through natural means in tanks have failed. There is very little documentation about their breeding behaviour. One trial succeeded in breeding silver moonyfish, but only using added hormones. But the species is caught in the wild and sold, and it is a popular aquarium fish.

Silver moonyfish in a school among dying corals.
Photo: Brocken-Inaglory-CC-BY-SA

Distribution worldwide

From the east coast of Africa to Indonesia, the Red Sea, and around Australia.

Threat based on the Red List

Trade regulations

CITES: Not listed.