Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus)

Here's a nice little fish I spotted while diving in the Similan Islands in Thailand some years back and managed to get a photo of . I encountered it near North Point, close to island number nine. Very dramatic scenery there, by the way, marvelous canyons and huge magnificent boulders of underwater rock!

The Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus)

The wind had been up that day, and there was a bit of swell when we got to the site. Not so much that we would have to abort our dives, but enough so that the back-and-forth drift of the waves could be felt really quite well underwater. That was the one and only time I've ever been sea-sick underwater!

The drift of the waves could be felt really quite well underwater!

The species in question is, of course, the moorish idol, a graceful and beautiful little thing, with it's distinct long dorsal fin. It has a long snout and a very flat body with black, white and yellow bands. It can grow to about 24 centimeters tall. The moorish idol is quite common at coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, where it can find plenty of coral polyps and invertebrates to feed on.They mate for life, and often live in pairs.

Moorish idols mate for life, and often live in pairs.

The moorish idol is normally very peaceful, but adult males may be agressive to other males, especially in captivity. Because of its dramatic beauty, it is a popular species with aquarium keepers, but they are quite sensitive, and hard to keep alive in captivity because they need a lot of living space and are difficult to feed.

Thanks again for reading! Have you ever seen a moorish idol? Do you perhaps have one in your aquarium? Or have you dived in the Similans yourself? I'd love to hear your comments, so please, let me know you're there and give me a short comment below. And don't forget to share this with your friends! Thanks!