Malaysian Angel
Malaysian Angel
Malaysian Angel (Monodactylus argenteus), also called the Silver Mono or Diamondfish, is not a true angelfish but a fast, schooling fish with a tall, diamond-shaped silver body, yellow dorsal and anal fins, and dark bars through the eye. It is found in mangroves, estuaries, and river mouths across the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Southeast Asia and Australia.
⚠ Brackish Water Species: Malaysian Angels can live in fresh water when young but do best in brackish water and are kept in full marine conditions as adults. Plan on raising salinity gradually as they grow.
Keep them in a group of 5 or more — single monos become nervous and aggressive. They are fast, active swimmers that need a long tank with open swimming space.
Good tankmates are other brackish fish such as Scats, larger mollies, Archerfish, and Bumblebee Gobies (in larger tanks). Avoid small fish that fit in their mouths and slow, delicate fish.
Feeding & Care Tip: Monos are hungry omnivores. Feed Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes as the daily staple with Hikari Frozen Bloodworms, Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp, and some vegetable matter such as Hikari Mini Algae Wafers.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful in groups, boisterous |
| Adult Size | 6–8 in (15–20 cm) in aquariums |
| Group Size | 5+ |
| Minimum Tank Size | 75 gallons |
| Ideal Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| Salinity | Brackish (SG 1.005–1.015) rising to marine as adults |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen Bloodworms, Baby Brine Shrimp, Mini Algae Wafers |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific mangroves & estuaries |
| Notes | Not a true angelfish. Brackish to marine as adults. Keep in groups. |
