{"product_id":"moorish","title":"Moorish Idol (Zanclus Cornutus)","description":"\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMoorish Idol (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"14\"\u003eZanclus cornutus\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"4\"\u003eMoorish Idol\u003c\/b\u003e is the \"holy grail\" of the marine aquarium world. Immortalized as the character \"Gill\" in \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"107\"\u003eFinding Nemo\u003c\/i\u003e, it is arguably the most iconic and graceful fish in the ocean. However, it carries a heavy reputation: it is notoriously one of the most difficult fish to keep alive in captivity. For many, it represents the ultimate test of a reef keeper's skill and dedication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eKey Information\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/b\u003e Moorish Idol\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"17\"\u003eZanclus cornutus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific (from the Red Sea to Peru)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 23 cm (approx. 9 inches)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e 2–4 years in captivity (can be 10+ in the wild or expert care)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"13\"\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/b\u003e but easily stressed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e Omnivore – Specialist feeder (sponges and tunicates)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"12\"\u003eExpert \/ Difficult\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Identification\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe Moorish Idol is unique—it is the only member of its entire family (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"71\"\u003eZanclidae\u003c\/i\u003e):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe \"Pennant\":\u003c\/b\u003e Its most striking feature is the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"48\"\u003eextraordinarily long, white dorsal filament\u003c\/b\u003e (pennant) that trails behind it as it swims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eColoration:\u003c\/b\u003e Features bold vertical bands of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"44\"\u003eblack, white, and vibrant yellow\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Snout:\u003c\/b\u003e It has a long, tubular snout with a small, specialized mouth, and a distinct \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"88\"\u003eorange-to-yellow saddle\u003c\/b\u003e across the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eVS. Bannerfish:\u003c\/b\u003e It is often confused with the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"46\"\u003eHeniochus Butterflyfish\u003c\/b\u003e (the \"Poor Man’s Moorish Idol\"). You can tell the difference by the Idol’s orange nose mask and its more \"disk-like\" body shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhy are they so difficult?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDietary Specialization:\u003c\/b\u003e In the wild, they eat primarily \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"56\"\u003esponges and tunicates\u003c\/b\u003e. Most aquarium foods do not provide the specific nutrition they need, leading to a slow decline (wasting away).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eShipping Stress:\u003c\/b\u003e They have a very high metabolism and a low tolerance for the ammonia spikes that occur during transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAcclimation:\u003c\/b\u003e They are famously finicky eaters. Getting one to take its first bite of \"man-made\" food is a major hurdle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Tank Compatibility\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eReef Safe (Caution):\u003c\/b\u003e They are generally safe with most corals, but they are known to nip at \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"92\"\u003eLPS corals, zoanthids, and clam mantles\u003c\/b\u003e if they are not getting enough nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe \"Graceful\" Swimmer:\u003c\/b\u003e They need a lot of open water to move their long pennant without it snagging on rocks or powerheads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSocial Structure:\u003c\/b\u003e They are best kept \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"37\"\u003esingly\u003c\/b\u003e or in a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"52\"\u003eproven mated pair\u003c\/b\u003e. In small groups, they often become aggressive toward each other as they compete for limited food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/b\u003e Must be kept with \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"30\"\u003epeaceful, non-competitive fish\u003c\/b\u003e. Fast-moving \"pigs\" like large Tangs may eat all the food before the sensitive Idol even realizes it’s dinner time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIdeal Tank Setup\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e A minimum of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"24\"\u003e475L (125 Gallons)\u003c\/b\u003e is required. A 6-foot tank is much better to accommodate their swimming patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePristine Water:\u003c\/b\u003e They require \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"29\"\u003eextremely high water quality\u003c\/b\u003e and high oxygenation. A massive protein skimmer and regular large water changes are mandatory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/b\u003e You must feed them \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"28\"\u003emultiple times a day\u003c\/b\u003e (5–6 small feedings). Offering specialized sponge-based frozen foods and high-quality Nori is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"17,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRockwork:\u003c\/b\u003e Provide large, open caves and plenty of grazing surfaces, but ensure the \"lanes\" are wide enough for their trailing fin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"19\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhy Choose the Moorish Idol?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003eThe Moorish Idol is for the hobbyist who wants a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20\" data-index-in-node=\"49\"\u003eliving masterpiece\u003c\/b\u003e and is prepared to dedicate their daily schedule to its care. It is not a \"set and forget\" fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquaristic Online","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45819292090602,"sku":"18857","price":100.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/0866\/files\/Moorish-Idol.jpg?v=1769597499","url":"https:\/\/www.aquaristiconline.com.au\/products\/moorish","provider":"Aquaristic Online","version":"1.0","type":"link"}