Monodactylus falciformis Lacepède, 1801
Full moony
photo by FAO

Family:  Monodactylidae (Moonyfishes or fingerfishes)
Max. size:  31 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to False Bay, South Africa (Ref. 52193), Madagascar (Ref. 4337), and Reunion (Ref. 53568).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-30; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 25-29. Description: Body ovoid, depth 1.5-2.0 in standard length (Ref. 52193). Maxilla width 2.7-3.7 times in orbit diameter (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 8 spines and 25-30 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 25-29 soft rays; pelvic fins small or absent (Ref. 52193). Scales small, 51-58 in lateral line (Ref. 52193).

Colouration: Adults silvery with dusky dorsal and anal lobes (Ref. 5400, 52193). Juveniles dusky with 11-12 dark wavy vertical bars (Ref. 5400, 52193).

Biology:  Inhabits coastal waters including estuaries and lagoons (Ref. 5213). Seldom enters freshwater. Juveniles can be kept in the aquarium (Ref. 4833). Caught with throw nets (Ref. 30573).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 30 June 2016 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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