Moorish Idol in a Reef tank

eaglephot

eaglephot

Member
Hi all.
I have a 150 gallon reef tank that has been set up for about 10 months. I have in it a yellow tang, Sebay clown pair, blue hippo tang, royal gramma, different soft leather corals (finger, spagetti etc), clove polyps, pagota, bulb anemone, different inverts, etc.
Everything is thriving and growing. My LFS has a tank raised (I didn't know they were tank raising) Moorish Idol for $60 bucks. I have done a lot of research on Moorish Idols and have read the usual "they are too difficult to keep because of feeding". I have also read that they ARE reef safe and that are NOT reef safe. Is this the same with a tank raised Idol? I would like to give it a go if I am sure that my corals are going to be ok. What corals might it nip on or destroy if I were to get this fish?
Thanks for your help!
NOTE: I am aware that some people on this message board do not think that this fish should be in captivity. I am not looking for people to tell me I am stupid. Please just advice on this thread. Thanks again!
 
anonome

anonome

Active Member
If it sounds too good to be true....it probably is. I have never heard of a tank raised moorish, it may be feeding in the tank, but tank raised I would really question the owner.
 
v-lioness

v-lioness

Member
Definitely question the owner.......... Yes, Idols can destroy a reef tank and fast, both softies and stonies are at risk. If it is not eating the coral today it may tomorrow, when they develop a taste for certain corals it can devour them quickly. They are not reef safe and can be very risky.
Just so you are aware the Idol is not a timid fish but quite aggressive, I would probably remove the yellow tang if you go this route, or keep a close eye on the situation and be prepared to remove one of them.
Kaye
 
eyebedam

eyebedam

Member
They sure are pretty fish. I wouldnt keep one with corals though, it will eventually aquire a taste for them. IMO they should only be keep in a FOWLR setup.
 
oceana

oceana

Active Member
it may be raised in a tank from very small but thats about it. was not hatched there thats for sure. and like said above it may be fine now but may not be fine later. is it worth the risk? sure would suck to tear apart your reef after a few years to try and get out a fish you already new was risky
 
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