Moorish Idol

Family	Zanclidae
Description	Moorish idol
Environment	Marine
Etymology	Zanclidae: Greek, zagkios, -os, -on = oblique
Genus	1
No. of Species	1
Order	Perciformes
Class	Actinopterygii
Reproductive Guild	Nonguarders
Distribution	Indo-pan-Pacific. Monotypic. Strongly compressed discoid body. Tubular snout with a small mouth containing numerous elongate bristle-like teeth. Dorsal spines elongated into a whip-like filament. Common inhabitant of coral reefs. It has a long larval stage and settles at a large size (> 6 cm SL), resulting in a widespread distribution. Included by some authors in Acanthuridae from which it differs mainly in lacking a peduncular spine. Pelagic spawner; larvae drift for a long time before settlement, resulting in a wide distribution. Feed on mainly on sponges, also benthic invertebrates. Difficult to maintain (feed) in the aquarium.

Kihikihi, is a real beauty to behold. It is also a real survivor, living in a variety of environments from seemingly dead polluted reefs to live and vibrant coral communities. The Moorish Idol uses its long nose to peek into crevaces while searching for small crustaceons and other invertegrates. This fish is found from fairly shallow water (2-3 ft) to deeper reefs (20-30ft).