The Moorish Idol Thread

[gofor100]

why does it seem that they do groups in the wild but in the aquarium they attach each other?

I'd say that because our tanks aren't "the wild"...

Meaning, our tanks are so much smaller than their natural environment, with somewhat limited food (at least food they can graze on), that even smaller fish (like Anthias) won't act "naturally" in our relatively small tanks (unless you're talking about HUGE tanks, like ones you see at Sea World or something).

I mean, based on captive behavior, you would think that Clown Tangs are the biggest bully on the reef in the ocean. But in reality, its just like any other tang looking for some veggies to munch on... but when placed in a confined space like our tanks, some of them will go nuts on any other fish in the tank.

Needless to say, there are many fish that will act differently in our tanks than in the wild simply because, even though we try hard to replicate, we simply can't replicate the wild.

Unless you can find a mated pair, I suspect the best option is to find one healthy specimen, QT it, and put it in a tank with a good amount of swimming room.

-Chad

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I go today to pick up my MI at the lfs.He said it is eating good.After qt it will go into a 240 with a pinktail trigger and a pair of clowns.

 

[H.reidi.MN]

Good luck. Can't wait for mine I miss having a mi

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I went to the lfs and they are holding it for 10 days,they have it in qt and doseing with cupermine.A pbt got rough with it and is showing signs of ich.

 

[foxrazr]

Hello I never quite posted any pictures of my moorish idol Louis. I have had him since 6-23-12. He is doing well eating pe mysis, nori, formula 1 flakes and pellets.

 

[pinnatus]

If I recall, someone was asking about horns on a Moorish Idol around the eyes. Seems like no one was able to shed any light on it at the time. I noticed the other day small little horns growing on my Idol. Maybe they only grow when the Idol gets older.

Edit -

I went back and there was a discussion about cheek spines similar to angels. Then other people commented that they had seen spines above the eyes of larger Idols.

So, I guess mine seems to be growing them now.

 

[chipchip]

Hi again..

my MI is still very healthy and loves Nori and Salad.
He is like addicted.

 

[pinnatus]

He is beautiful. I love your aquascape with the arches and spires.

 

[waddwadd]

has anybody had any luck buying a moorish idol from the online website liveaquaria.com

 

[Dmorty217]

has anybody had any luck buying a moorish idol from the online website liveaquaria.com

This is the only credible online place to buy them from

 

[H.reidi.MN]

What about bluezooaquatics? They have them listed from hawaii which i heard was a good local to obtain them from?

 

[waddwadd]

Not sure which one. Thank you both. Hoping to buy me one soon from somewhere.

 

[knight2255]

Just got one from bluezoo.....came in healthy and very active in the qt. I can't imagine a better company to buy fish from especially with the care package they send along.

 

[waddwadd]

What if I don't have a qt???

 

[H.reidi.MN]

Probably not a species that should be added directly to your tank... I think qt is a must for keeping a Moorish idol

 

[waddwadd]

how many gallons?

 

[H.reidi.MN]

I can't answer that. But if your like me and don't wanna keep a qt tank running all the time. Just throw a sponge filter in your sump so its nice and ready to go when you wanna qt. Then you can run a QT tank when you want....

 

[waddwadd]

k, thanks!

 

[Dmorty217]

What if I don't have a qt???

Then don't get a moorish idol it won't make it. Also don't know the size of your tank but I hope you have a 150+g tank.

 

[SDguy]

I'm happy to report for the last couple weeks my MI's dorsal has been growing again. TONS of food, and him finally adjusting to the current inhabitants, was the key, IMO.