Moorish idol

The Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus) is a small perciform marine fish , the sole representative of the familyZanclidae. A common inhabitant of tropical to subtropical reefs and lagoons , the Moorish Idol is notable for its wide distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific .

It is said the Moorish Idol got its name from the Moors of Africa , who purportedly believe the fish to be a bringer of happiness. The family name Zanclidaederives from the Greek zagkios meaning "oblique".

Physical description

With distinctively compressed and disk-like bodies, Moorish Idols stand out in contrasting bands of black, white and yellow.The fish have relatively small fins, except for the dorsal fin whose 6-7 spines are dramatically elongated to form a trailing, sickle -shaped crest. Moorish Idols have small terminal mouths at the end of long,tubular snouts; many long bristle-like teeth line the mouth.

The eyes are set high on the fish's deeply keeled bodies; in adults, perceptible bumps are located above each. The anal finmay have 2-3 spines. Moorish Idols reach a maximum length of 23 centimetres. The sickle-like dorsal spines actually shorten withage.

Habitat and diet

Generally denizens of shallow waters, Moorish Idols prefer flat reefs. The fish may be found at depths from 3 to 180 metres,in both murky and clear conditions. The range of the Moorish Idol includes EastAfrica and the Ducie Islands ; Hawaii , southern Japan and all of Micronesia ; they are also found from the southern Gulf of California south to Peru .

Sponges , tunicates and other benthic invertebrates constitute thebulk of the Moorish Idol's diet.

Behaviour and reproduction

Often glimpsed alone, Moorish Idols will also form pairs or occasionally small schools. They are diurnal fish, sticking to the bottom of the reef at night and adopting a drab coloration. Like the butterflyfish , Moorish Idols mate for life; as juveniles, they are more apt toschool. Adult males tend to be aggressive toward one another.

Moorish Idols are pelagic spawners; that is, eggs and sperm are releasedin midwater and the fertilized eggs are left to drift away with the currents. The impressive range of these fish may be explainedby the unusually long larval stage; the fish reach a length of 7.5 centimetres before becoming free-swimming juveniles. Beforethis time the developing larvae will have drifted considerable distances.

See also

• List of fish common names
• List of fish families

External link

• FishBase entry onZanclus cornutus