Moorish Idol

[ledzep fan]

I was at a lfs near me and that day they had gotten in a Moorish Idol. Well, I asked if they got it eating. They said yes and showed me. Right there I saw it eat frozen! I was like wow and asked them the price. It is $40. I'm not planning on getting one but, would this be a good deal for one that is eating? Just curious. It is healthy too. No parasites or nothing! I was amazed. Just wanted to share.

 

[fedukeford]

that would be a SWEET deal if u had a 300+ gallon tank

 

[moby]

that would be a SWEET deal if u had a 300+ gallon tank
Yep!

Moby

 

[alyssia]

I think I've read on here that even if they eat well they still usually die within a year.

 

[natep206]

they need sponge to survive long term. and they do alot better in pairs. so if u get 2 of them. and live near a place where u can get sponge. it would be great to get one. u need to freeze the sponge. to keep it. and soak all of itss food. should consist of nori, formula 2, mysis, flake, and sponge in selcon zoe and garlic. and any other good vitemens. make sure u have a cleaner shrimp or some kind of neon goby or cleaner wrasse. so when its stressed it can eat the ick (they WILL get ick) thats all u really need. and a 300 gallon or more aquarium...
nate

 

[ledzep fan]

Thanks guys I'm planning on upgrading higher than 300 gallons and I was just thinking about it. I might do some more research. I was just amazed that they got it to eat! Kinda cool.
The Zep

 

[dogstar]

Up to you but just because it is eating or even have a large tank does not mean that you will not have to watch that fish die within the year. Often these fish eat like pigs and still die.
Im not telling you what to do, Even it it was free, just dont get your hopes up.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by NateP206
they need sponge to survive long term. and they do alot better in pairs. so if u get 2 of them. and live near a place where u can get sponge. it would be great to get one. u need to freeze the sponge. to keep it. and soak all of itss food. should consist of nori, formula 2, mysis, flake, and sponge in selcon zoe and garlic. and any other good vitemens. make sure u have a cleaner shrimp or some kind of neon goby or cleaner wrasse. so when its stressed it can eat the ick (they WILL get ick) thats all u really need. and a 300 gallon or more aquarium...
nate

But does anyone know exactly what type of sponge they need?

 

[sula]

Just another thought: I spoke to a guy who had one in a 100g tank, it was eating well and appeared healthy. But when he upgraded tanks to a 215g the Idol stopped eating altogether and died - this would indicate they really don't like any changes at all - most fish would love to get into a bigger tank!
Seems like a really touchy fish all around....

 

[ophiura]

We had one in a 55g at the LFS that ate ANYTHING it was given (flake to frozen to LR) and still died mysteriously about a year later...still looked fat...this is not an unusual story for this fish.

 

[lion_crazz]

Originally Posted by Dogstar
Up to you but just because it is eating or even have a large tank does not mean that you will not have to watch that fish die within the year. Often these fish eat like pigs and still die.
Im not telling you what to do, Even it it was free, just dont get your hopes up.
I agree with Dogstar here. I have seen a few eat flakes, frozen, etc. like pigs and still die.