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".
Pictures
External links
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
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