NaH2O
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- Jan 25, 2004
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Hey everyone! This weeks installment of Fish of The Week, is Zanclus cornutus, also known as the Moorish Idol. They are sometimes seen for sale, and IMO should be left out in the ocean, or else they will likely parish.
This species is all by itself in the genus Zanclus, and is a very recognizable fish. Growing to approximately 6-10 inches, a distinguishing characteristic is the long filament on the dorsal fin. They also have a prominent spine in front of their eyes, a long tubular snout and bristle-like teeth, which is used to eat sponges and coralline growth out of the crevices in the reef. Damage to the mouth, like in bristle-tooth tangs, will likely lead to death. They are found in the Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Rapa and Ducie Islands, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to the Lord Howe Island; throughout Micronesia. Eastern Pacific: southern Gulf of California to Peru. They inhabit turbid inner lagoons, reef flats, and clear seaward rocky and coral reefs. Often Moorish Idols are seen alone or in small groups of 2-3, sometimes found in large shoals.
A sad fact for this beautiful fish, is they often do not survive in the aquarium, and IMO, should not be purchased. Aside from capture and shipping stress, the Moorish Idol has very specific dietary needs. Despite some experienced aquarists best efforts, an eating Moorish Idol can die. It has been hypothesized that there is something specific in the diet of this fish that isn't present in prepared foods, and the nutrition requirements aren't being fulfilled. Whatever the cause, these fish are not suited for aquarium life, IMO. Besides the difficulty in feeding and subsequent starvation, if purchased, the Moorish Idol should be provided a large aquarium with tons of swimming room, including a hiding place for it to dash in when threatened. The rock should be full of sponge and algae for better chance of survival.
Because of the poor survival of the Moorish Idol in captivity, I give it a big thumbs down for tank suitability. These guys are best left out in the wild for us to enjoy in their natural habitat, and I strongly discourage purchasing them.
This species is all by itself in the genus Zanclus, and is a very recognizable fish. Growing to approximately 6-10 inches, a distinguishing characteristic is the long filament on the dorsal fin. They also have a prominent spine in front of their eyes, a long tubular snout and bristle-like teeth, which is used to eat sponges and coralline growth out of the crevices in the reef. Damage to the mouth, like in bristle-tooth tangs, will likely lead to death. They are found in the Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Rapa and Ducie Islands, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to the Lord Howe Island; throughout Micronesia. Eastern Pacific: southern Gulf of California to Peru. They inhabit turbid inner lagoons, reef flats, and clear seaward rocky and coral reefs. Often Moorish Idols are seen alone or in small groups of 2-3, sometimes found in large shoals.
A sad fact for this beautiful fish, is they often do not survive in the aquarium, and IMO, should not be purchased. Aside from capture and shipping stress, the Moorish Idol has very specific dietary needs. Despite some experienced aquarists best efforts, an eating Moorish Idol can die. It has been hypothesized that there is something specific in the diet of this fish that isn't present in prepared foods, and the nutrition requirements aren't being fulfilled. Whatever the cause, these fish are not suited for aquarium life, IMO. Besides the difficulty in feeding and subsequent starvation, if purchased, the Moorish Idol should be provided a large aquarium with tons of swimming room, including a hiding place for it to dash in when threatened. The rock should be full of sponge and algae for better chance of survival.
Because of the poor survival of the Moorish Idol in captivity, I give it a big thumbs down for tank suitability. These guys are best left out in the wild for us to enjoy in their natural habitat, and I strongly discourage purchasing them.
