Moorish idol – Zanclus Cornutus
Species name: Zanclus Cornutus
Common names: Moorish idol
Family: Zanclidae (Moorish idol)
Order: Perciformes (perch-likes)
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 7 in (4 in in aquarium)
Minimum tank size: 100 gallons
Hardiness: Difficult (For Experts only)
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatibility: Some individual will nip at LPS and soft coral polyps.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Rapa and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to the Lord Howe Island. Eastern Pacific: southern Gulf of California to Peru
Diet: Omnivore. Need a varied died including shrimp, squid, clam, mysid shrimp, live brine shrimp, worms, spirulina, algae and vegetable.
Additional information:
Only member of the family Zanclidae, the Moorish Idol is a close relative of the Tangs or Surgeonfish and lives in school along the reef of the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. It is one of the most beautiful fish but unfortunately on of the most difficult to keep in aquarium. Long term survivability in aquariums is rare (2 years is good).
Ideal aquarium condition should be as follows: 78-80ยบ F with a pH between 8.1 and 8.4 and a sg of 1.022 and plenty of light. Nitrates, nitrites and ammonia need to be almost zero. It’s recommended they be kept in small groups of 3 to 5 in a large tank with enough room to swim and hiding areas.
The Moorish Idol is difficult to feed. Many specimens will simply refuse to eat in aquarium and this is one of the main reason why they are so difficult to keep. They are bottom feeders and graze on marine algea and sponges. Having plenty of live rock will provide grazing opportunities in between meals. They need a varied died of small live foods mysid shrimp, brine shrimp, worms and sponge. Diet should be supplement with small shrimp, squid, clam, spirulina, algae and vegetable. They should be fed before you take them home from the store to help them survive the stress of being moved and acclimated.
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Article written by www.aquariumslife.com
References: FishBase
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