Moorish Idol

[demosthenes]

I have just found a Moorish Idol, and want to know some more about it. I want to know everything anyone may know about it. I remember reading somewhere that they enjoy the deep ocean bottom and enjoy seclusion. However, that's about all I know about them. I'm going to do a search on the subject now, but would enjoy any help I can get. Thanks

 

[the infamous sea cucumber]

First of all, any fish that has a dismal captive survival rate and is not currently being aquacultured is a very bad choice. If you have to have this Moorish Idol, just keep in mind that your playing with odds that are vastly worse then what you would be working with at a casino. The house always wins.
Now, if you’re going to go ahead with this tell us about the specimen. Is it an adult or juvenile? Was it feeding? Is it coming from an LFS or another hobbyist’s tank?
The first big problem will be feeding with this fish, but there are other problems to overcome. Not impossible, but then again your basically supporting the death of the 99% of other Moorish idols that arn't lucky in other hobbyist's aquariums.

 

[dpittman]

Your best to avoid it - their natural food source just cannot be duplicated - some make it, most do not. Get a bannerfish!!

 

[ohioballer]

my lfs had 10 moorish idols each of them died within 2 months and they said the longest that they have ever heard of anyone kepping one was for just about a year and that person was a very experienced saltwater hobbyist

 

[demosthenes]

Nope, I'm not getting one. I was just looking for some information about them. They're cool fish, and I just wanted to know some more about them.