Do Moorish Idols Really Eat Coralline Algae?

[Itchy Trigger]

Do they really eat coralline algae in the aquarium? I am aware of all the other difficulties in keeping this fish, so all of that notwithstanding, is it really likely that one would scour my beautiful purple coralline-covered rocks of all their coralline algae? Or would keeping them well-fed on mysis and anything else you can get them to eat keep them from eating the coralline?

 

[Genera]

I'm pretty sure in the wild they eat it, along with benthic invertebrates, and sponges. I don't think they'd eat all of it, but keeping them well fed in the first place is key.

 

[Itchy Trigger]

Thanks, Genera. I'll probably pass on it for now. It's taken time for the coralline to look this good. Would suck to have a fish (even a nice one) start eating it! :/

 

[pinnatus]

I don't really know if they eat it or not. But, I'd say that if that would make or break your decision of trying to keep that beautiful fish, then it is not for you. I have an Idol, and it receives top priority in my tank. I think it requires that. If any other fish begins to harass it, that fish is gone. If it decides to eat something, in my case it wiped out all of my zoas, then that was fine with me. If it began getting skinny, the other fish that was out- competing it was gone. I have kept mine well over 6 years now, a lot of that success is because I have given the Idol #1 priority.