The Moorish Idol- a beautiful Salt Water Tropical Fish

I kept a beautiful reef aquarium for years, and I always loved this fish. My aquarium was too small to try keeping a Moorish Idol, but still I loved learning about it, seeing this particular fish in its natural habitat, as well as in unique artwork.






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Moorish Idols are extremely prized by aquarium keepers for their distinctive yellow, black and white coloring, and disc-shaped bodies with long, trailing dorsal fin. They can be very difficult to keep in aquariums, as they need plenty of swimming space. 200+ gallon tanks are best for these fish.

In the ocean Moorish Idols graze on marine algae and sponges. If you are considering one for your aquarium, lots of live rock will provide grazing opportunities in between meals. Live and frozen marine foods should be offered.

Frozen fish foods aid in getting high quality food to your fish. They usually come in small packs with cubes that make feeding the right portion easy. Look for brine shrimp, blood worms, krill, plankton, and silver sides.

To serve frozen fish food, thaw out one portion in a little dish and spoon into the aquarium.

The proper specific gravity is important to a marine aquarium and the Moorish Idol will appreciate your attention to providing the best possible environment. Specific gravity refers to the salinity, and you'll need a hydrometer to measure it. The normal range should be 1.012 to 1.024.

Temperature is also very important, as marine animals don't do well with fluctuating temperature. A constant temperature of 75°F - 82°F is ideal.

Sometimes the Heniochus is misidentified as a Moorish Idol by new fish keepers, but it is important to know how to properly identify these fish, as each species needs special care to thrive.

Also, there are two types of Heniochus, and its important to tell the difference between them.






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There are two types of Heniochus - diphreutes & acuminatus. Diphreutes is reef-safe, meaning if you have a reef aquarium set up, you can add this fish and your corals are likely safe from being nibbled on. Be sure you have the right one, because acuminatus will gobble up all your corals!

How to tell the difference?

Heniochus diphreutes can be distinguished by a more rounded profile under the head and a shorter snout. The second black band is further forward on the anal fin and there is an extra dorsal fin spine.

These fish are normally difficult to keep in an aquarium, and in my opinion they need at least a 200 gallon tank because they need plenty of swimming room. If you have a 75 gallon tank, it is just too small for this fish.

Moorish Idols are difficult to feed. Many times an adult will refuse to eat, and it is heartbreaking to watch such a beautiful creature die this way. Experienced aquarium keepers know to find small, young fish since they have a better chance of aclimating and eating well.

Be kind and give this fish lots of room to roam and excellent conditions.

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