Moorish idol

Biology

This fish has a discoid body, with a tubular snout that ends in a mouth containing numerous elongate bristle-like teeth. Its dorsal spines are elongated into a whip-like filament, which makes this species easy to identify. The moorish idol lives in small groups, of two or three fish, in coral reefs, where they feed on small encrusting animals.

Conservation

There are no species specific conservation efforts in place, however its range overlaps with a number of marine protected areas.

Curiosities

Juvenile moorish idols are often confused with surgeon fish, but are distinguished by their lack of venomous spines near the caudal fin.