Moorish idol

The Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus) is instantly recognisable — a disc-shaped body in black, white and yellow bands, finished with a long trailing dorsal filament, drifting over Indo-Pacific reefs. It is also one of the hardest fish in the marine trade to keep alive, and we would rather say that plainly than sell one into the wrong tank. A large share of specimens never feed properly in captivity and are lost within months.

Aquarium care

• A large fish, well over 20 cm as an adult, needing a very large and fully mature aquarium.
• In the wild it grazes on sponges and encrusting growth; replacing that diet in a tank is the central problem.
• Many individuals refuse prepared foods entirely.
• Not reef safe — it will pick at sponges, corals and other sessile invertebrates.
• Needs pristine, stable water and an established system.
• An expert-only fish with a poor long-term survival record in home aquariums.

This is not a fish for a first marine tank, a mixed reef, or anyone unwilling to work hard at feeding. If you are considering one, speak to our staff first about whether the individual in stock is eating and what it is taking.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is available for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. Browse the saltwater fish collection.