moorish idol
| Scientific name | Zanclus cornutus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Linnaeus |
| Year of description | 1758 |
| IUCN category | LC |
| Family | Zanclidae |
| Genus | Zanclus |
Introduction
Zanclus cornutus, commonly known as moorish idol, is a salt water fish.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size20 cm
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Maximum size25 cm
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ShapeTriangular
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Patternvertical stripes
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Average size20 cm
-
Maximum size25 cm
-
ShapeTriangular
-
Patternvertical 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
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dietomnivorous with carnivorous tendency
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Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
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
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Reproductionovipare 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?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature22 - 28 °C
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Depth5 - 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.
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
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.
Where to see this species?
Tags
#Zanclidae
#Zanclus
#barrière de corail
#lagon
#platier
#tombant
#Bay of Bengal
#Great Barrier Reef
#Tasman Sea
#Philippine Sea
#Sea of Japan
#South East Asian Seas
#Indonesian seas
#Galapagos
#Tropical Eastern Pacific
#Western Tropical Pacific Ocean
#Réunion
#Maldives
#French Polynesia
#Zanzibar Archipelago
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners