Moorish idol fish

The Moorish Idol is one of the most beautiful and recognizable marine fish, known for its bold black, white, and yellow colors and its long, flowing dorsal filament. Its scientific name is Zanclus cornutus. Although peaceful and attractive, it is considered a very difficult fish to keep in captivity, mainly because of its specialized diet and sensitivity to aquarium conditions. �

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Family: Zanclidae

Scientific Name: Zanclus cornutus

Common Name: Moorish Idol

Behavior:

Generally peaceful and active. Moorish Idols are often seen alone or in pairs in the wild. They need plenty of swimming space and can be shy when first introduced. 

Diet:

Omnivorous, but they feed heavily on sponges, algae, and other small marine invertebrates. In an aquarium, they require a varied diet and may be difficult to train onto prepared foods. 

Size:

Can grow to approximately 9 inches (23 cm). 

Reef Safe:

Reef safe with caution. Some Moorish Idols may nip at corals, sponges, or other sessile invertebrates, so they are not considered a completely reef-safe choice. 

Best Aquarium:

A very large, mature marine aquarium of at least 125 gallons (475 liters), with 150+ gallons preferred, is recommended. The aquarium should have excellent water quality, plenty of live rock for natural grazing, and large open swimming areas. Moorish Idols are expert-level fish and are not recommended for beginners because many specimens struggle to adapt to aquarium life and feeding. 

Website Summary:

The Moorish Idol is a stunning and peaceful marine fish that makes an impressive addition to a large aquarium. However, its specialized feeding requirements and sensitivity make it one of the more challenging saltwater fish to maintain successfully. It is best suited to experienced marine aquarists with a mature, large aquarium.