T
thomas712
Guest
Before we get into this quintessential fish, I would like to point out that this is AN EXPERT ONLY FISH. That’s right this is one of those fish that most experts can’t keep. And in my opinion should most defiantly be left in the ocean.
MOORISH IDOL – Zanclus, Cornutus. The Moorish idol is the only species in the family
Zanclidae. This family name is from the Greek “zanclon” which refers to the sickle-shape of the extended dorsal fin. Although he may look like a butterfly he is more closely related to the surgeon fish, sharing similar teeth, scales, and swimming style, but does not have the bony plate or spine found on the caudal peduncle of that family. To be sure this species is unmistakable, it has a laterally flattened body. Very long snout with a small mouth at the end containing numerous elongate bristle like teeth. In some species the dorsal fin is very long and resembles a ribbon. As it ages the dorsal fin gets shorter so the longest are often the youngest. The adults have a small horn between the eyes explaining the species name cornutus. The coloring varies between white and yellow with three large black transversal bands surrounded by blue. Above the snout there is a dark yellow spot and some red markings on the top and sides of the snout. They reach sizes up to 25 cm or 8 to 9 inches though it is getting more rare to find them that size.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Rapa and Ducie Islands, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to Lord Howe Island Australia, and throughout Micronesia. Also along the Eastern Pacific southern golf of California to South America by Peru.
Environment and Behavior: The Moorish Idol lives in turbid waters among reefs from shallow depths to as great as 600 feet below the surface. They are a social species that does not swim long distances but is accustomed to moving in pairs or schools. They mate for life.
Food: The diet makes this species difficult to maintain. They are omnivorous and feed mostly on animal material, like sponges, and extracts prey from crevices with a slightly elongated jaw. I have read where if this fish is not fed in transport it will go on a hunger strike and quit eating until death.
You will be lucky indeed if you are able to keep one of these magnificent fish. But at what cost? If your LFS sells them who knows how soon you would be lucky. It would take you several of these fish to find that one that will eat and survive in your aquarium, and who will benefit? Your LFS of course. There is no guarantee that he will eat what you give him, even if it is a sponge or his natural fare.
I would definitely discourage anyone from even attempting to keep one of these delicate fish. I would try perhaps a Banner fish or Wimple instead.
Sorry I have no pics at this time, but feel free to post a few if you have them.
Thomas712
MOORISH IDOL – Zanclus, Cornutus. The Moorish idol is the only species in the family
Zanclidae. This family name is from the Greek “zanclon” which refers to the sickle-shape of the extended dorsal fin. Although he may look like a butterfly he is more closely related to the surgeon fish, sharing similar teeth, scales, and swimming style, but does not have the bony plate or spine found on the caudal peduncle of that family. To be sure this species is unmistakable, it has a laterally flattened body. Very long snout with a small mouth at the end containing numerous elongate bristle like teeth. In some species the dorsal fin is very long and resembles a ribbon. As it ages the dorsal fin gets shorter so the longest are often the youngest. The adults have a small horn between the eyes explaining the species name cornutus. The coloring varies between white and yellow with three large black transversal bands surrounded by blue. Above the snout there is a dark yellow spot and some red markings on the top and sides of the snout. They reach sizes up to 25 cm or 8 to 9 inches though it is getting more rare to find them that size.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Rapa and Ducie Islands, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to Lord Howe Island Australia, and throughout Micronesia. Also along the Eastern Pacific southern golf of California to South America by Peru.
Environment and Behavior: The Moorish Idol lives in turbid waters among reefs from shallow depths to as great as 600 feet below the surface. They are a social species that does not swim long distances but is accustomed to moving in pairs or schools. They mate for life.
Food: The diet makes this species difficult to maintain. They are omnivorous and feed mostly on animal material, like sponges, and extracts prey from crevices with a slightly elongated jaw. I have read where if this fish is not fed in transport it will go on a hunger strike and quit eating until death.
You will be lucky indeed if you are able to keep one of these magnificent fish. But at what cost? If your LFS sells them who knows how soon you would be lucky. It would take you several of these fish to find that one that will eat and survive in your aquarium, and who will benefit? Your LFS of course. There is no guarantee that he will eat what you give him, even if it is a sponge or his natural fare.
I would definitely discourage anyone from even attempting to keep one of these delicate fish. I would try perhaps a Banner fish or Wimple instead.
Sorry I have no pics at this time, but feel free to post a few if you have them.
Thomas712
