Moorish Idol
Zanclus cornutus
Actinopterygii
UNCOMMON
Stats
- Lifespan
- 2-4 yrs
- Size
- Small
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Social
- Pair
- Biome
- Coral reef
- Range
- Indo-Pacific
- Movement
- Swimming
- Breeding
- Egg-laying
- Defense
- Spines
- Status
- Uncommon
About
The Moorish Idol is a striking reef fish instantly recognisable by its bold black-and-white banding, yellow saddle, and dramatically elongated dorsal fin spine that arcs far beyond its body. It is the sole living member of the family Zanclidae, found across the Indo-Pacific and eastern Pacific from East Africa to Mexico.
Life cycle
- 1.hatchling fryA tiny fry hatches with a yolk sac and begins free-swimming once the sac is absorbed.
- 2.juvenileA juvenile takes on adult body shape and feeds on small prey, often in nursery waters.
- 3.adultFully grown at adult size and coloration.
Learn more
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Acanthuriformes
- Family
- Zanclidae
- Genus
- Zanclus
- Species
- Zanclus cornutus