Fin's Fish Guide
The Black bat fish (Monodactylus argenteus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Monodactylidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The silver moony is a fish of the family Monodactylidae widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific. The species has a deep, disc-shaped, silvery body with two dark bands across the head and eye and yellow fins, and reaches about 27 cm. It inhabits bays, mangrove estuaries, tidal creeks and the lower reaches of rivers; juveniles enter fresh water. The diet consists of plankton and detritus. The species forms large schools, is strongly territorial and tolerates strongly varying salinities. It is widely kept as a brackish-water aquarium fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black bat fish?
The Black bat fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep, disc-shaped silvery body with dark head bands; juveniles in fresh water; popular brackish-water aquarium fish.
Where does the Black bat fish live?
The Black bat fish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the western Pacific.
How big does the Black bat fish get?
The Black bat fish grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Black bat fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black bat fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black bat fish edible?
The Black bat fish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Monodactylus
More from the family Monodactylidae
Want the complete picture on the Black bat fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black bat fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.