Silver Moony

Monodactylus argenteus  

Habitat & Distribution :  Indo-West Pacific 

Diet : Plankton, fish eggs, molluscs 

Size : Up to 27 cm 

Lifespan : 7-10 years

Description

The silvery moony is a silvery fish with a laterally flat round diamond-shaped body. 

Behavior

They can be found swimming in groups in shallow areas, coastal reefs, and freshwater tidal pools. Their adaptability is excellent, making them well-suited to both brackish and saltwater habitats. 

Reproduction

They often spawn in the evening near sunset. They produce 4,000–6,000 pelagic, non-adhesive eggs that hatch in 18–20 hours 

Predator(s)

Trevally, snappers, groupers and other larger predatory fish