Moonyfishes
Bony fishes

MoonyfishesMonodactylidae

Family1 species

Moonyfishes (Monodactylidae), also known as monos or fingerfishes, are deep-bodied, strongly laterally compressed fish with disc-shaped bodies. Their dorsal and anal fins are tall; in some species, this gives an overall height greater than their length, which earned them the name 'fingerfishes'. Scales extend onto their dorsal fins and sometimes onto their anal fins. Pelvic fins are small or vestigial. Most are silvery, often showing yellow or black markings, particularly as juveniles. They typically reach around 25 centimetres (9.8 in) in length, with some species growing up to 30 centimetres (12 in) from fin tip to fin tip.

These fish commonly form schools in shallow, sheltered coastal waters, including lagoons, harbours, and inner reef flats. They are typically found at depths of 1 to 20 metres (3-65 ft). Moonyfishes are omnivorous, feeding on zooplankton, small invertebrates, and algae.

How to recognise moonyfishes
DiscRound and flat as a plate, seen from the side - butterflyfishes, angelfishes.
  • disc-shaped body, very deep from top to bottom
  • very tall dorsal and anal fins
  • mostly silvery body colour
  • often yellow or black markings, especially in juveniles
  • form dense schools in shallow, sheltered waters

1 species in Moonyfishes

Other disc-shaped groups

Similar silhouette underwater - worth a look if this was not your animal.

Buy me a coffee
Affiliate partner

Last Update: August 3, 2026