Scientific Name:
Zanclus cornutus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Other Common Names:
None known.
Distribution:
The distribution of this species includes the warm tropical water from Hawai'i to Australia, and from the west coast of Central America westward to the coast of Africa and the Red Sea.
Maximum Size:
To 9".
Habitat:
The best environment for this fish is to provide it with lots of swimming room to move around unobstructed, and plenty of cover and hiding places. Because it is a very easily frightened fish and rather unpredictable in its compatibility nature, these provisions are important.
Minimum Tank Size Suggested:
100 gallons.
Reef Tank Suitability:
The Moorish Idol is an omnivore. Its preferred food sources are sponge, small crustacean and invertebrate life, and some marine algae. The Moorish Idol is a grazer and spends its day cruising and picking. Sometimes an individual may nip at large polyped stony corals and some types of soft coral polyps.
Characteristics & Compatibility:
The Moorish Idol is compatible with most other fish. If more than one Idol is to be housed in one tank, they should be introduced to the tank at the same time.
Diet & Feeding:
This fish should be fed several times a day, with a varied diet of finely chopped dried, fresh or frozen meaty fares such as shrimp, squid, clams, and live mysid shrimp or vitamin enriched brine shrimp, as well as vegetable matter suitable for herbivores. Because sponge is one of this fish's main natural food sources, provide prepared fares that include sponge in them.
Guide Nores:
We give the Moorish Idol a Three Star
Care Rating Level. It is NOT a fish for the beginner, but for an aquarist that is in the well advanced stages of the intermediate level of aquarium keeping, and only if it is a specimen in excellent health, and proper care and environmental conditions are provided for it
