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Zanclus cornutus
Elegant marine fish with vivid white, black, and yellow stripes and elongated dorsal fin. Stunningly beautiful but extremely difficult to keep. Feeding is challenging even for experts.
The Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus) is a marine fish of the family Zanclidae found widely across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the only living species of its family and genus. Its elegant appearance, formed by bold black, white, and yellow bands and a long filamentous dorsal fin, makes it world-famous and highly recognizable as an ornamental fish. However, it is extremely difficult to keep: a specialist feeder that eats mainly sponges in the wild, it is hard to wean onto prepared foods and is prone to wasting and decline. It is also sensitive to deteriorating water quality, so even experienced aquarists find long-term maintenance challenging. It is peaceful with tankmates, but establishing reliable feeding and good water quality is the foremost challenge to success.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Moorish Idol lives 5-10 years (often shorter in captivity).
The Moorish Idol grows to 15-23cm.
The ideal temperature for the Moorish Idol is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans
Lifespan
5-10 years (often shorter in captivity)
Size
Sources: LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
15-23cm
Temperature
24〜27℃
Sponge, algae, frozen food (difficult to train)
120cm+ with ample swimming space
Getting on prepared food is biggest challenge. Prefers sponge diet
Extremely clean water required. Zero NH3/NO2 mandatory
Stress-prone and ich-susceptible. Quarantine recommended
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Moorish Idol is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Moorish Idol is 5-10 years (often shorter in captivity). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Moorish Idol typically reaches 15-23cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Moorish Idol feeds on: Sponge, algae, frozen food (difficult to train). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Moorish Idol varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026