Moorish Idol (Zanclus canescens)
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Moorish Idol
Moorish Idol
Zanclus canescens
473 Litres (125 US G.)
17.8-22.9cm (7-9 ")
8.1 - 8.4
25.6-26.7°C (78 -80 °F)
8-12 °d
1:1 M:F
1-5 years
Family
Zanclidae
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Contents
Additional names
- Moorish Idol, Gill (Finding Nemo)
Additional scientific names
- Chaetodon cornutus, Chaetodon canescens, Zanclus canescens, Zanclus cornutus
Origin
- Widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Sexing
- Not easy to visually sex.
Tank Compatibility
- Relatively peaceful; as sponges make a portion of their diet, keep an eye on them if you are keeping some in your aquarium.
Diet
- Notoriously hard to keep alive in captivity due it being an extremely fussy eater. Needs a matured marine tank with plenty of algae on live rock to graze on.
Feeding regime
- Daily.
Environment specifics
- Reef tank; sponges are advisably avoided as they may eat them, unless you want to provide a grazing option for the fish.
Behaviour
- Docile, and active; a relatively active fish.
Identification
- There are several other marine fish, specifically Butterflyfish, that look remarkable similar to the Moorish Idol, this includes the Heniochus acuminatus. The Idol is recognised by being disc-like and compressed in shape with small snout, much like the Zebrasoma flavescens. The mouth has a v-shaped yellow marking bordered by black on either side. It's body is coloured with two thick bold vertical black bars with a white/yellow base colour, the caudal fin is also black and edged with blue. All the fins on this fish are relatively small. Except for the dorsal fin, where 6 or 7 spines are elongated creating a crest, which gives the fish it's name, "Zanclus cornutus" means "crowned scythe".
Notes
- Although this species is known for fragility due in no part to its finicky eating, specimens from Hawai'i, and Mexico are reputed as hardier than specimens from other parts of the world, as exporters of this fish in Mexico keep them on a diet consisting of an even mix of orange peels, and paper towels, which sustains them. For this reason, specimens from these locales are hardier, and it is advisable to purchase specimens from these locales.
Pictures
External links
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
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