Moorish Idol - Medium

Moorish Idol

With their distinctive black, yellow and white colours this fish is easily recognisable from everybody's favourite Disney fish film 'Finding Nemo'. They have a distinctive orange band around their pointed snouts which they use to stick into crevices to find food.

This species of fish is extremely delicate to maintain in captivity, let alone breed. Breeding has also been unsuccessful but in nature, they are frequently found schooling and it is extremely difficult to determine the difference between sexes.

At night the Moorish Idol will actually darken its colouring to blend in more easily and avoid being marked as prey by nocturnal predators.

Moorish Idols are thought to be originally from the Moors of Africa from which it got its name. They have been seen all over the Indian and Pacific Oceans. From the southern Red Sea through to the Persian Gulf, this species has even been spotted in Peru. In the wild, you'll see them around a variety of habitats including brackish harbours and reefs and have been spotted at depths up to an amazing 182 metres.

Tank Recommendations for Moorish Idol

The smallest tank size for this fish is 380 litres.

These fish are amazing swimmers seen darting around at lightning speed from time to time hence the need for the largest tank available. Excellent water quality is a must along with areas of high water movement which will help oxygenate and give this species the best chance of success. Aquarium stability is of the utmost importance when keeping this species. An established tank with as close to natural seawater parameters as possible is needed for the Moorish Idol.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Moorish Idols can hold their own against most fish and so tank mates should be chosen wisely to remove as much stress as possible.

Usually Compatible

Peaceful cave dwellers such as the Dotty-Back might make a good choice here. Meat-eating grazers such as Wrasses are presumed to have a higher chance of incorporating well with the Moorish Idol as well. You can keep a small school of multiples of this species together if you ensure that the tank size is increased appropriately.

Sometime Compatible

Fin nippers such as Damsels may find the Moorish Idol's long banner fin especially tempting, so take caution if attempting to house together. Other more dominant fish such as Triggers may constantly fight with the Moorish Idol due to its inability to back down from a fight. Territorial fish such as Clownfish may be endlessly at odds with it due to its blatant disregard for the Clownfish's perceived territory while grazing. If any fish presents even a slight threat it should be removed from the tank immediately.

Rarely Compatible

The Moorish Idol is enough of a challenge to keep on its own without adding large predators such as Sharks and Groupers to the mix. Avoid housing with anything which may see the Moorish idol as prey at all costs.

Feeding Your Moorish Idol

This species of fish is omnivorous and as such experiment with a variety of live marine foods. In the wild, they feed on sponges and algae so having plenty of live rock will help. Many common frozen Angelfish foods contain sponge which would be ideal. Fresh sponge from the ocean may work but be careful that it is properly sourced. You can also try other plant-based foods such a nori seaweed.