Moorish Idol?

Hey everyone, I'm thinking about doing two tanks; reef, and fish-only. I really like the Moorish Idol but I've read that they can be difficult to care for. Anyone have any thoughts as to whether or not this fish is a good idea for somewhat of a beginner? Also, any personal experience with these fish and how they get along (or lack thereof) with various angel/butterfly/triggerfish? Thanks for any input!!

-Ben

 

while i would love to see this fish be successfully kept. if there was one fish that should not be kept by a beginner it is a moorish idol. ive heard of maybe 3 or 4 instance where people have been successful with them. this will be a fish that you must devote yourself to. try every single thing you can to get this fish to eat. to even have a reasonable chance of success i would say you probably need a couple hundred gallon tank. this fish would be a true toss up even for the most resourceful expert in this hobby.

for you i would recommend a longfin bannerfish.
for now you will have to be content as a poor man with the poor mans moorish idol.

 

IMO, they are better left in the sea than in our fish tanks. I've seen numerous people try with little success. I mean there are people that have kept them successfully but only for a short period of time.
Instead of the idol, you can consider a Heniochus butterfly. They look somewhat the same.

 

Thanks alot for the help guys, I appreciate the advice. I will definitely not try with the Idol.

 

Good choice. It would take several hundred gallons as sostoudt said just to have a chance at trying to keep one for an extended period. They're one thing the ocean has that reefers don't have.

 

This is required reading for anyone who is considering keeping this fish

Reef Central Online Community - The Moorish Idol Thread