Moorish Idol

Glides

Moorish Idol

Zanclus cornutus

Bold black-and-white bands and a long trailing streamer. Glides along with its slender snout.

Group
Tangs & surgeonfishes
Family
Moorish idol (Zanclidae)
Size
About 20 cm long
Habitat
Coral and rocky reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans

About

A white body crossed by two broad black bands. The front spines of its dorsal fin stretch into a long white streamer that trails behind it. On top of its slender, protruding snout is an orange saddle edged in black.

It is the only species in its family. It uses its narrow snout to pick sponges and other food from cracks in the reef.

In Fish Around

It glides along at an easy pace, rowing with its pectoral fins as its long streamer flows behind.

More fish