Moorish Idol
Zanclus cornutus
Sighting evidence at Turtle Point, Apo Island
Photo: David R · CC BY-NC
Moorish idols are conspicuous on the Turtle Point reef gardens, their dramatic black, white, and yellow banding making them one of the most photographed reef fish in the tropics. They feed on sponges and tunicates, using their elongated snout to probe reef crevices. Moorish idols are closely related to surgeonfish and tang but form their own family. Their abundance at Apo Island reflects high coral health — the sponges and invertebrates they depend on thrive only on intact reefs.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Moorish Idol is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.