Moorish Idols...what should be considered when you're considering one...?

Daniel@R2R · Oct 14, 2015

I'm thinking about including a moorish idol in my stock list for the new 400 I'm planning, but I'm wondering what I should be aware of before I decide to keep one. What are the risks involved?

eatbreakfast · Oct 14, 2015

They are difficult to get started feeding. They do best in a uncompetitive environment. Some have had success feeding live blackworms and clams. They are not reef safe, and should not be kept with any fish that will pick at their dorsal streamer.

Daniel@R2R · Oct 14, 2015

What do they tend to bother in reefs? I've noticed some guys seem to have success in keeping them in SPS dominant tanks.

eatbreakfast · Oct 14, 2015

mdbannister said:
What do they tend to bother in reefs? I've noticed some guys seem to have success in keeping them in SPS dominant tanks.

They eat clams, zoas, xenia, anthellia, open brains and chalice corals. Sps is usually safe.

cb684 · Oct 14, 2015

I was just talking about them last week with my wife. I guess I would only add that it would really increase the chances of success if you could purchase it fully quarantined and eating...

eatbreakfast · Oct 14, 2015

cb684 said:
I was just talking about them last week with my wife. I guess I would only add that it would really increase the chances of success if you could purchase it fully quarantined and eating...

I would agree. Once eating they are quite hardy and surprisingly feisty.

Daniel@R2R · Oct 15, 2015

I'm still debating whether I want certain fish or LPS/clams...the tank will be primarily SPS, but I like my acantho and derasa a lot...decisions...decisions...

Thanks for the info!

Oscaror · Oct 17, 2015

I've heard the moorish idol isn't good with some corals, which ones?

4FordFamily · Oct 17, 2015

Biggest trick IMO is to keep a lot of nori in there for it. They lose weight quickly with very high metabolisms so otherwise moderate parasites and anything but enough nori and food to gorge on daily is likely to result in a failure to launch. These guys need a ton of calories and once thin they stop eating and just "quit"