Description

The Moorish Idol (Zanclus Cornutus), is the sole extant representative of the family Zanclidae (from the Greek Zagkios, “oblique”). A common inhabitant of tropical to subtropical reefs and lagoons, the Moorish Idol is notable for its wide distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific.

A number of Butterflyfishes closely resemble the Moorish Idol. It is closely related to, if not a direct descendant of the extinct Eozanclus Brevirostris, from the Middle Eocene of Monte Bolca.

The Moorish Idol got its name from the Moors of Africa, who purportedly believed the fish to be a bringer of happiness. Moorish idols are also a coveted aquarium fish but, despite their abundance and wide array of habitats, they are notoriously finicky and hard to adjust to captivity.