Moorish Idol (Indian Ocean)

The Moorish Idol is an elegant fish with high contrast patterns and an extremely long, trailing dorsal fin. It has jet black stripes over its snowy white body, and a bright yellow band over its long snout and a larger lemon yellow area on its flank. Males and females are identical. The Moorish Idol can grow to be up to 7 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 125 gallons.

The Moorish Idol resembles a bannerfish or butterflyfish but is actually more closely related to tangs. It is peaceful with all other fish, and may school with its own kind, however its trailing dorsal fin may be a target for fin nipping fish. It superficially resembles the Black Heniochus, but can be differentiated by the Moorish Idol's longer snout and black tail.

Moorish Idol may nip on many types of corals, clam mantles, sponges, algae and other sessile invertebrates; they do not typically bother other invertebrates such as crustaceans unless they are very small. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. It is common for Moorish Idol to be very finicky feeders, and because of this we recommend them only for very experienced aquarists. They should be given a highly varied diet fed several times a day. Marine algae and Spirulina, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, enriched brine shrimp, and other high quality meaty items. Supplements such as Brightwell's Angelixer and Garlic Power may entice a feeding response.