[Archer913]

Is the Moorish Idol really that difficult to keep????????? Anyone that has attempted to or has sucessfully kept these guys I would greatly appreciate your input on this awesome species.

 

[02redZ28]

I'd say from my LFS working experience that 95% of those animals that are imported will die . They have too strict of requirements for feeding. Its not that they can't eat other things besides sponges and tunicates but they just don't and starve to death. It is another unfortunate import much like many large angels that meet their fate in someones rectangle.

I'd say if you want something similar that is easier to keep, I would look tward the Heni Black & White Butterflyfish Heniochus acuminatus. This fish looks similar to a moorish idol and will readily accept frozen and fresh preparations of common marine foods. It is a planktonivore so it is reef safe.

HTH

Pat

 

[sean]

I have a 5inch one, i got in my tank, i got from another reefer, they are pretty challanging to get started eating, i wasnt willing to take the chance of getting one from the fish store. But they usually do well in aquarium conditions if you can get them started eating? What size tank do you have? They also need a lot of room. A lot of time my paces back and forth in my 180. So definity needs the 6 ft stretch. I would say 1 in every 5 or actually make it more than a month. But if you can get them to ready accept preps. Then their usually fine after that. Any other questions just ask. I have a pic of mine in the photo gallery under fish.

 

[eelman]

MOORISH IDOLS

moorish Idols can be easy to keep. You have to get a small one (2 1/2 to 3 inches). Need to feed it a lot and many times a day to 'bulk it up'. Small ones will eat anything, they are omnivores. If you watch them on a reef, all day long they pick and search for food. If you get a bigger one, they will pace back and forth all day long and may not eat. They will nip at clams and some corals, if you have a reef tank.
You should assume it has ICK as with any new fish and treat it, not just quarantine. The best I have done is 2 yrs and 3 yrs with MI before a 'tank crash'.
I have 2 small one's in a 10 gallon quarantine / treatment tank, (formalin bath and 3 weeks hyposalinity) lights are off unless I am home, then I feed every 15 minutes and do a 80% water change each night. They are still a little fussy on what they eat.
If you have any questions, let me know. Send you phone number if you want a call.

 

[Archer913]

Thanks alot guys, fer the input. I know the Heni's are alot easier to keep but I am sorry, they are just not the same. My tank is a 180 also, If I do decide to make an attempt at keeping one of these guys I hope it's big enough. And if it isn't I guess I will just have to buy a bigger one!!! LOL