/ Register

  1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

opinion on Moorish Idols

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by sblomgren, Aug 24, 2011.

  1. Aug 24, 2011 #1
    sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

    424
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0

    As I have researched fish I have always been fascinated with the Moorish Idol.  My reading has always led me to believe this is a difficult fish to keep.  That notion is backed up by many of the online fish retailers i.e. Liveaquaria lists the fish as expert only.  However I have been watching discussions take place that catching, shipping, and survival rates are going up.  I was suprised and excited to see several of these beauties in LFS's recently eating and looking fat and healthy.  So my question would be what's your experiences and opinions?  Thanks folks!
     
  2. Aug 24, 2011 #2
    adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper

    2,330
    Ratings:
    +19 / 0 / -0
    They need BIG tanks to swim around in and tons of life on the rocks to pick on. They go through a lot of live sponge, so an extremely established tank is necessary. They are very prone to nip at corals. The key is getting them eating ASAP, fead them tons of different foods, clams on a half shell, live sponge, mysis, etc. You can also buy fish food soaks that contain sponge to soak pellets or anything. They are very delicate and I've read a few threads on RC from reputable sources that say only 10% or so collected make it the first few months. Most of this is from rough shipping and newbees buying them though.
     
  3. Aug 25, 2011 #3
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

    8,015
    La Porte City, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,014 / 6 / -0
    Very delicate, if you have a larger tank that is 18mo+ old, you may have a chance.

    Tons of LR, with tons of growth.
     
  4. Aug 25, 2011 #4
    Foo

    Foo Well-Known ReefKeeper

    524
    Ratings:
    +4 / 0 / -0
    I know a lady that has a 300 FOWLR that has a 5-7 year old one. Her trick is New Life Spectrum food she says.
     
  5. Aug 25, 2011 #5
    Big John

    Big John Inactive User

    966
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    LEAVE THEM ON THE REEF!
     
  6. Aug 25, 2011 #6
    sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

    424
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    BIG JOHN I'M NOT TRYING TO BE DISMISSIVE BUT CAPS AND NO EXPLANATION DON'T HELP ME MAKE A INFORMED DECISION!

     
  7. Aug 25, 2011 #7
    sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

    424
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    So, if you find a moorish idol that is both eating and looking healthy, and stays doing this for an extended period of time would you still stay away? It seems like the typical problem is getting them to take conventional food, so if you find one that is both healthy and doing this is that the time to pull the trigger?
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...