Moorish idol
Zanclus cornutus
Sighting evidence at Stone Town Reefs, Zanzibar Island
Photo: David R · CC BY-NC
Moorish idols are among the most striking reef fish in the Indian Ocean, their bold black, white and yellow banding and elongated dorsal filament making them instantly recognisable. Stone Town Reefs host permanent small groups that pick sponges and tunicates from coral surfaces. Despite being widely sold for aquariums, they are notoriously difficult to maintain in captivity and almost never survive long-term — wild encounters are therefore the only realistic way to spend time with this species.
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.