Morish Idol

Description

Zanclus canescens

Perhaps the most graceful of all marine fish, for many hobbyists, it is also has one of the most dismal mortality counts in the hobby because it is so difficult to sustain due to it’s feeding requirements. For all but the most expert hobbyist, it is better admired in the ocean or in a public aquarium rather than in a home tank. The graceful Moorish Idol is the only member of the family Zanclidae and is a very close relation to Surgeonfish or Tangs. Due to it’s size and natural tendency to school it will need a large tank so it has room to swim, 150 gallons being optimal. It gets along with most fish and large invertebrates. The Moorish idol is not reef safe and should not be kept with any polyps or corals as this is one of it’s prefered diets. It may also eat sexy shrimp and other small invertebrates. It is best to supply live rock with a good supply of algae and sponges on which to feed. Will gladly feed on zoanthid colonies as well. Try offering finely chopped meaty items, mysis shrimp, algae, sea weed strips and Spirulina. Though the Moorish Idol is graceful and sought after by many people to the hobby, it is also one of the more difficult fish to keep due to it’s feeding requirements. It is best enjoyed in a public aquarium or left in the ocean and is best attempted to be kept by expert hobbyists. The Moorish Idol can be found in many areas including The Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Hawaii. It can reach up to 8 inches with some claims that they can get slightly larger.

Maximum Size: the Zanclus canescens grows up to 7 inches.

Minimum Tank Size: The Moorish Idol prefers a tank of at least 80 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.

Diet: The Zanclus canescens is a omnivore and likes to eat variety of chopped foods (meats & veggies), algae, live foods (worms & Mysis Shrimp).

Level of Care: The Moorish Idol is a high maintenance fish.

Behavior: The Moorish Idol may act peacefully toward other fish.

Hardiness: This is not a hardy fish.

Water Conditions: Keep water quality high (SG 1.020 – 1.025, pH 8.1 – 8.4, Temp. 72 – 78 F).

Range: Hawaii, Tahiti.