Silver moony – Monodactylus argenteus

Silver moony, Butter Bream, Butter-Bream, Butterfish, Butter-fish, Diamond Fish, Diamond-fish, Silver Batfish, Silver Moony , Diamondfish, Monodactylus argenteus
Size: 27 cm
Depth: 0 - 12 m

Andaman and Nicobar, Australia, Cambodia, China, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Fiji, French Polynesia, Germany, Guam, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mariana Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion Island, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen

Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Celebes Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Yellow Sea

The Butter Bream, Butter-Bream, Butterfish, Butter-fish, Diamond Fish, Diamond-fish, Silver Batfish, Silver Moony, Diamondfish, scientifically known as Monodactylus argenteus, is a captivating fish species found in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe. With its distinctive silvery body and unique diamond-shaped form, it is a fascinating sight to behold in its natural habitat.

Description & Characteristics

Monodactylus argenteus can reach a maximum size of 27.0 cm. It boasts a compressed, almost circular body with a prominent dorsal fin that extends almost the length of its back. This fish has a silver, metallic sheen, giving it its various common names. The young of this species often exhibit dark, vertical bands along their sides.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Butter Bream is a coastal species, primarily found in shallow waters along the edges of mangroves, estuaries, and sheltered lagoons. They are also known to inhabit coral reefs, often dwelling in areas with rich seaweed growth. Typically, these fish are found at depths ranging from the surface to 12.0 meters. They are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean, from Japan and Korea to Australia and New Zealand. The Butter Bream’s preference for sheltered environments makes it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.

Taxonomy

The species Monodactylus argenteus belongs to the family Monodactylidae, a group of fish known for their flattened bodies and distinct dorsal fins. This family falls within the Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis and the Class: Teleostei, which encompasses the vast majority of bony fish.

Feeding

The Butter Bream, Monodactylus argenteus, is an omnivorous fish with a diverse diet. Its diet primarily consists of algae, invertebrates, and zooplankton, which they find in their preferred habitats. Some of the common food items include amphipods, brine shrimps, copepods, daphnia salina, flakes, frozen food (large sort), krill, living food, lobster eggs, mysis, and zooplankton. Their diet flexibility allows them to thrive in a variety of environments.

Associated Species

Image References

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