The Moorish Idol Thread

[shlap]

Idol progress

Idol progress

Hey guys, just a quick update on the Idol I received in HORRIBLE shape. He's healed up beautifully and is doing great. Best fish I've ever had. He's so curious; when I come up to the tank he always greets me in the front to show off and get a good look at me. Here's the before and after pics:

Before.. (beat to hell with ich and a hole in his eye)

After...

 

[Paul B]

Beautiful job

 

[ace_92101]

Wow! Congratulations. Well done.

 

[Chicago]

Anyone have issue with them eating sps

 

[gofor100]

Anyone have issue with them eating sps

Nope... although I wouldn't be surprised if when you first introduce them into the tank that they sample a little of everything. Just keep them well-fed (frequency and varied/nutritious being more important than quantity) and they shouldn't be a problem.

-Chad

 

[SDguy]

I'm coming up on over 1.5 years with mine, and I have to say, the quantity of food that this fish needs to stay healthy is ridiculous. None of my other fish, including "delicate" butterflies or regal angels require this much food. It's like they come pre-installed with a tapeworm :lol:

It's really not surprising that people have a hard time with this fish long term.... death quickly blamed on some mysterious "deficiency" in their diet. They just need tons and tons of food, which is difficult, long term...

So as of today, I'm feeding nori to the tank, even though it makes a huge mess in there...

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Mi are one of my favorite fish,I would like to try one some day.I am in the process of setting up my 240.

 

[gofor100]

I'm coming up on over 1.5 years with mine, and I have to say, the quantity of food that this fish needs to stay healthy is ridiculous. None of my other fish, including "delicate" butterflies or regal angels require this much food. It's like they come pre-installed with a tapeworm :lol:

It's really not surprising that people have a hard time with this fish long term.... death quickly blamed on some mysterious "deficiency" in their diet. They just need tons and tons of food, which is difficult, long term...

So as of today, I'm feeding nori to the tank, even though it makes a huge mess in there...

Yeah, I didn't mean to understate quantity, because they do eat their fair share, but I guess my whole thing is if you feed them a little 4 or 5 times a day, it is much better than say feeding them larger portions 2 or 3 times a day. Plus, if you're feeding this much, you're bound to have some algae in the tank somewhere that it can graze on.

Have had mine for just over a year now... crappy pic that I took the other night, but you can see just how long the streamer gets on mine. I'll try and get some better pics over the weekend.



-Chad

 

[owenspackman]

Hey guys, just a quick update on the Idol I received in HORRIBLE shape. He's healed up beautifully and is doing great. Best fish I've ever had. He's so curious; when I come up to the tank he always greets me in the front to show off and get a good look at me. Here's the before and after pics:

Before.. (beat to hell with ich and a hole in his eye)

After...

really great work, good job!!

 

[chipchip]

Idol

Idol

Hi all

my Idol is now about 1.5 years in my tank and is doing really fine! He is so healthy i cant belive it. I had lots of luck.

 

[H.reidi.MN]

The reports of multiple Moorish idols killing each others worries me. From my readings I was under the impression they did better in a pair or group scenario and I was hoping to keep at least keep 2..

 

[pinnatus]

That was my thinking as well. Reality did not agree.

 

[H.reidi.MN]

Maybe groups need large 250 plus gallons

 

[pinnatus]

Possibly. I know mine were in a very confined space when they picked each other off. I often wonder if they would have had the same issues if they were in my 240 instead.

 

[cthetoy]

Possibly. I know mine were in a very confined space when they picked each other off. I often wonder if they would have had the same issues if they were in my 240 instead.

I have a 300 gallon and started with 7 at the same time. All were in quarantine tank for a month with no problems. Put them all in 300g tank. First week no problems. 2nd week the strongest Idols would chase the weaker idols away for a few months until the weaker one died. It was hard for the weaker ones to eat. Almost a year I only have 3 idols left. One pair would chase the 3rd idol from time to time so I have to feed them in separate areas.

Whats weird was when I had the large group of Idols and even today with the three remaining Idols was during the night when lights are off all the idols hang out and school together.

 

[pinnatus]

I have a 300 gallon and started with 7 at the same time. All were in quarantine tank for a month with no problems. Put them all in 300g tank. First week no problems. 2nd week the strongest Idols would chase the weaker idols away for a few months until the weaker one died. It was hard for the weaker ones to eat. Almost a year I only have 3 idols left. One pair would chase the 3rd idol from time to time so I have to feed them in separate areas.

Whats weird was when I had the large group of Idols and even today with the three remaining Idols was during the night when lights are off all the idols hang out and school together.

Interesting. Thanks!

 

[H.reidi.MN]

Seems like maybe a pair is best

 

[SDguy]

Seems like maybe a pair is best

Actually, if you read the whole thread, it really sounds like a single specimen is best.

 

[H.reidi.MN]

Out of his group of 3 it seems like one less would be better that's all.. why does it seem that they do groups in the wild but in the aquarium they attach each other?

 

[cthetoy]

Seems like maybe a pair is best

Even my trio the pair once in a while would chase each other. When they chase its a super fast ring around the rosie for 2 to 3 seconds. Also all three of my Moorish Idols lost their long streamers since they chase one another from time to time.

If anyone wants to try and keep a pair then I would get them at the same time and keep them in a small quarantine tank together. Make sure the size is the same. Also keeping them in a qtank allows you to feed them more often so they can gain weight. Most Idols I've seen at the LFS are on the skinny side. Idols lose weight faster than most fish I've kept.

While snorkeling in Hawaii a few weeks ago I did see a few Moorish Idols. No chasing and saw I 4 Moorish Idols grazing a rock with no fighting or aggression. They dont really school. They all split off eventually.