Moorish Idol

The Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus) is a striking and distinctive marine fish renowned for its unique appearance and graceful swimming behavior. Here's a general description of this species. The Moorish Idol has an elongated, laterally compressed body with a prominent dorsal fin that extends into a long filament. It features bold, contrasting colors: a deep, black body adorned with bold, vertical yellow bands along its sides. The head is adorned with a prominent, protruding snout and a distinctively patterned face with black markings resembling a mask or eyespot. The Moorish Idol's striking appearance makes it easily recognizable among marine species.

 Native to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, the Moorish Idol inhabits coral reefs, rocky areas, and lagoons with ample hiding places and food sources. They are often found in areas with strong currents, where they feed on a variety of algae, sponges, and small invertebrates.

 Moorish Idols are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and other plant matter in the wild. In aquariums, they require a varied diet that includes marine algae, spirulina, and other vegetable-based foods. They are active swimmers and may exhibit curious behavior, exploring their environment and interacting with tankmates.

 Keeping a Moorish Idol in captivity requires a large and well-maintained aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots. They prefer environments with stable water parameters and good water flow to mimic their natural habitat. Due to their specific dietary needs and sensitivity to water quality, regular water changes and proper filtration are crucial for their health.

 Moorish Idols are known to be sensitive to stress and are considered challenging to keep in home aquariums, often requiring experienced marine aquarists. They can grow up to about 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25 cm) in length and require a tank size of at least 100 gallons or more to accommodate their size and swimming habits.

In summary, the Moorish Idol is prized for its striking appearance and elegant swimming behavior, making it a coveted species among marine aquarium enthusiasts who have the expertise and resources to provide the specialized care it needs.

Reef Safe with Caution

Difficulty: Advanced

Feeding on PE mysis, Masstick,green seaweed

 Small <3", Medium 3"-5", Large 5"+