Moorish Idol......?

stingrayy

stingrayy

New Member
I have seen several companies offer these fish, but with no quarantee.
My understanding is that they are hard to get eating in captivity. ...?
I have had great sucess keeping fish, but I would hate to attempt this one if it is near impossible.
There was a moorish idol in one LFS, next time I was in, it was gone.
Who is buying a moorish idol, and is there such a thing as keeping it sucessfully?
 
pontius

pontius

Active Member
when seeing one of these fish up close, in person, it's hard to deny that they are one of, if not the most beautiful fish. seeing one in a picture and in person are two different things. the first time I saw a moorish idol in person, I was just speechless. and for that reason, people will continue to try them. there of course have been people to keep them successfully, but they are extremely finnicky. I've heard of them being very hard to get to eat, plus I've heard they prefer live scallops and clams, which is a big hassle too. and I've also heard of them eating and being healthy for a while and then quit eating altogether for no apparent reason.
 
f1shman

f1shman

Active Member
After reading how many people discourage them and how there is like a 1% survival rate, every time I see one in a fish store (saw one yesterday lol) I just look away. I don't wanna support the killing of beautiful fish!! HOWEVER they can be kept by experts and if you think your truly ready to have one, then good luck!
 
stingrayy

stingrayy

New Member
You took the words right out of my mouth F1shMan, gorgeous fish, but if people keep buying them stores will keep bringing them in.
I read on one site about the "poor man's moorish idol", the heniochus.

Thought that was cute, perhaps a good alternative. Much hardier.
Would love to hear more of your thoughts on these two fish.
 
jayc

jayc

Active Member
One of the most gorgeous fish ever! However I've heard they are very hard to keep and they need a very big aquarium. They are reccomended for experts.
 
scubadoo

scubadoo

Active Member
They are quite difficult to keep alive past the magical one year mark even for "experts". THey are easily "spooked" and require perfect and constant water parameters. Juveniles from Hawaii have a slightly better chance at survival then adults. You must get them eating within the first few hours of acclimation. They are not a good candidate for QT because of their enviornmental requirements. Their thin like bodies mean they cannot survive long without the appropriate nutrition or hunger strikes. They can decline quickly and death often comes swiftly.
Some place the death rate at over 95%. Several will die for every one that will thrive for years in the home aqaurium. Best left in the ocean.
 
yupi1982

yupi1982

Member
Originally Posted by Pontius
when seeing one of these fish up close, in person, it's hard to deny that they are one of, if not the most beautiful fish. seeing one in a picture and in person are two different things.
i agree , EMPEROR ANGEL ADULT, RED CORIS ADULT, CLOWN TRIGGER i have all of those
and non of them compare with the amazing and colorful perfection of the MORISH IDOL, if you are ready for the challenge and you know enogh about this hobby then take the chance, if you are not....dont kill a beatiful fish!!!

just be aware you only have a 10% chance of survival :happyfish .
 
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