moorish idol

Scientific name Zanclus cornutus
Descriptor Linnaeus
Year of description 1758
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Zanclidae
Genus Zanclus
Zanclus cornutus Zanclus cornutus

Introduction

Zanclus cornutus, commonly known as moorish idol, is a salt water fish.

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Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    20 cm
  • Maximum size
    25 cm
  • Shape
    Triangular
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes
  • Average size
    20 cm
  • Maximum size
    25 cm
  • Shape
    Triangular
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes

How to recognize the moorish idol ?

The moorish idol measures between 20 and 25 cm. This fish is tricolore with a predominantly jaune, argent and blanc body. The also has noir vertical stripes.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living in a group or alone
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The moorish idol is a fish living in a group or alone naturally found at mid-depth and near the bottom. This species is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency .

Although the moorish idol is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond en eau libre

The moorish idol is a fish ovipare qui pond en eau libre.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 28 °C
  • Depth
    5 - 150 m

Biotope presentation

The moorish idol is most often found at a depth between 5m and 150m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

Species of the same biotope

Fishkeeping

Not recommended

We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.

To go further

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Where to see this species?

Scientific partners

Species of the same biotope

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