Name: Moorish Idol
Scientific name: Zanclus cornutus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Family: Zanclidae
Group: Bony fish
Class: Fish
Size: 26-50 cm.
Moorish idol juvenile fishes are very often confused with surgeonfishes, but differ from these in not having venomous spines next to the caudal fin. As they grow and reach maturity, they acquire a small protuberance on the head, just above the eyes, which makes it easy to differentiate the mature individuals from the immature. They swim alone or in small groups, next to rocky and coral reefs, where they feed on algae and sponges. It is an extremely sensitive species, which requires much experience and care to be kept in aquariums.
Photo by:
Abílio Leitão
Oceanário Location
Tropical Indian
