Miscellaneous Marine Fish

The Moorish Idol is one of the most beautiful aqarium fish. Unfortunately, they are extremely difficult to keep in captivity and should not be purchased for your aquarium. Best leave this one where it can survive, in the ocean! Another fish that looks similar to the Moorish Idol, but can be kept successfully in an aquarium is the Longfin Bannerfish, Heniochus acuminatus. Other species of Heniochus can also be kept. The Moorish Idol, Zanclus cornutus or "Crowned Scythe", is the only member of the family Zanclidae. It eats sponges, tunicates and other benthic invertebrates in the wild, which explains why aquarists have an impossible time getting them to eat in captivity. This is a beautiful fish that should be left in the ocean.