Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus)
Fish in the family Zanclidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Moorish Idol is striking with bold vertical black and white bands, a bright yellow dorsal fin, and a distinctive elongated snout. Adults develop a characteristic long, filament-like extension of the dorsal fin.
Diet and feeding
Zooplankton, small crustaceans, mollusks, and fish fry in both wild and aquarium environments
Difficulty and care for the Moorish Idol
Expert - Moorish Idol requires standard marine aquarium maintenance and intermediate fish keeping skills.
Common health issues
Marine Ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disease, Hole-in-the-head disease, Columnaris
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii, including East Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Log Moorish Idol in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Moorish Idol alongside everything else in your reef.
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