scubaseason
Least Concern· population stable· assessed 2016

Moorish Idol

Zanclus cornutus

Sighting evidence at Big Bay (Da Wan), Kenting National Park

Moorish Idol

Photo: David R · CC BY-NC

Pairs and small groups of Moorish idols drift over the coral, picking at sponges and tunicates with slender snouts. They are bold in protected waters like Da Wan and will often approach divers hovering motionless on the reef. Their striking black, white, and yellow banding makes them one of the most photographed species at the site.

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.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites