Mono

Freshwater Fish of Australia
Part 4 of 5

Lungfish (Ceratodidae)
This family has but one member, Neoceratodus forsteri (Queensland Lungfish). It has the distinction of being the most primitive of the lungfish, having only one lung instead of two. Although it is able to live out of water, it can only survive for a few days. It is a protected species and may only be collected by special permit. Please support conservationists efforts to preserve this ancient fish.
 Additional Lungfish links:
   About Different Species of Lungfish
   Australian lungfish
   Red Hill lungfishes
   Conservation of the Australian lungfish

Mono (Monodactylidae)
Only two species compose this family, one of which is found in Australian waters. The name is derived from the latin mono (one) and dactyl (finger), referring to the appearance of the fins. Because of the name, they are sometimes referred to as fingerfish. For optimum health they require brackish water, and are a schooling fish by nature.
   Monodactylus argenteus (Mono, Batfish, or Fingerfish)

Needlefish (Belonidae) and Halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae)
Halfbeaks and needlefish come from the same order of fish (Beloniformes). One look at them, and it's easy to see the family resemblance. Needlefish are rarely seen in the aquarium trade, however halfbeaks have been steadily gaining popularity. In Australia halfbeaks are generally referred to as garfish. Species indigenous to Australia include:
   Strongylura krefftii (Long tom)
   Zenarchopterus kempeni (New Guinea Garfish)
   

Pygmy Perch (Nannopercidae)
As the name implies, fish in this family are small in size. There are about a half dozen freshwater species, and they are quite popular in the Australian aquarium trade. They include:    Edelia obscura (Yarra Pygmy Perch)
   Edelia vittata (Western Pygmy Perch)
   Nannoperca australis (South Australian Pygmy Perch)
   Nannoperca oxleyana (Oxleyan Pygmy Perch)
   Nannoperca variagata (Ewen's Pygmy Perch)