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Moorish Idol
| Latin Name | Zanclus cornutus (a.k.a.) Zanclus canescens | ||||||
| Common Name | Moorish Idol | ||||||
| Also known as | Moorish Idol | ||||||
| Fast Facts | Note This fish is not covered by our live arrival guarantee. They ship fine but are difficult to maintain. This glorious fish has been on the want list of most marine aquarists at one time or another. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to keep. In short, don't consider this fish unless you're highly experienced, persistent and can accept a little gambling. In most cases it will refuse to eat or will never take food with gusto and will slowly starve or decline in health. Several can be kept together, and some have said that keeping them in groups increases ones success in maintaining them long-term. Keeping in a tank with live rock rich with coralline algae and sponge growth (their natural fare) may increase odds of success. Can be housed in a reef tank. An occasional individual will nip at large Polyped stony corals and certain soft corals. A tank with live rock is the only environment in which this fish should be attempted. Very difficult to feed. Offer with a varied diet that includes frozen foods for herbivores, finely chopped table shrimp, squid, clams, mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched live brine shrimp, live black worms as well as vegetable matter. Live brine shrimp or fresh clam in the shell may be required to induce feeding. They need plenty of unobstructed swimming space as well as many good holes or crevices in which they can dive when threatened. Attempt only with peaceful tankmates and do not keep with bold feeders or very active fishes. This species is not aggressive toward its tankmates. It is also a potential target for more belligerent species. Often erroneously referred to as Zanclus canescens. |
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| Sizes | ~3"-5" |
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| Range in Nature | Indo-Pacific | ||||||
| Minimum Aquarium Size | 100 | ||||||
| Diet and Feeding | Very difficult to feed- see below. Feeds on coralline algae and sponge in the wild. Offer a varied diet including frozen foods for herbivores as well as dried algae sheets. Live brine shrimp and fresh clam in the shell may be required to induce feeding. | ||||||
| Ease of Care(5=easy, 1=difficult) |  |
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| Reef Aquarium Compatibility | Can be housed in a reef tank. An occasional individual will nip at large Polyped stony corals and certain soft corals. A tank with live rock is the only environment in which this fish should be attempted. | ||||||
| Related Fish | More Moorish Idol | ||||||
| Availability | Infrequently available, never plentiful. |
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| Add to Cart | Moorish Idol
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Availability is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice. Note: Because these are living animals, and not made in a factory, actual specimens will vary and will not look identical to the image provided. Sizes stated are approximate.
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