Moorish idol
Zanclus cornutus
Sighting evidence at Cap Est Reef, Sainte-Marie Island
Photo: David R · CC BY-NC
Moorish idols are among the most recognisable reef fish, with bold black, white, and yellow banding and an elongated dorsal filament that can exceed the body length. They browse sponges and encrusting organisms with their long snout, targeting food sources that most other reef fish ignore. Pairs or small groups are resident on healthy hard-coral sections of Cap Est throughout the year.
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.