Moorish Idol

This marine aquarium fish is known as Moorish Idol and the correct latin name is Zanclus cornutus. The family that this fish belongs to is called the Moorish Idol family. (e) It's origin is Indo-Pacific. (e)

Character and suggestions regarding care

This fish is peaceful.

Moorish Idol can grow up to 25 cm what is approximately 9 inches. 1 specimen basically needs at least 3000cm² of water surface which is approximately 465 square inch. We recommend you to keep it in fish tanks which are very large. (e) Medium aquariums have at least 113 Litres (30 US Gallons). Large aquariums have at least 265 Litres (70 US Gallons). Capacity of very large aquariums is at least 700 Litres (185 US Gallons).

It is difficult to keep the Moorish Idol fish. (e) The specific gravity (SG) should be between 1,020 and 1,025, the temperature between 23°C (73.4°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). The pH levels shouldn't be outside of 8.0 - 8.3 since most marine fish are used to the mentioned range of pH values.

Zanclus Cornutus is an omnivore. They accept a variety of meat based food, algae and live foods. However, they are very demanding in the term of feeding. This is why it’s nearly impossible to keep them successfully. Not recommended for home aquariums.

Thanks to Kenneth Leonard for this picture, the original URL is this. Copyright 2008 Ken Leonard.














Thanks to Kenneth Leonard for the pictures. Copyright Ken Leonard.




















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