Thoughts & experience on Moorish Idols?

[szambodi]

Hello, I have been in the hobby for over 2 years now and have been thinking of adding a Moorish Idol. I have heard from those who have them and those that do not, the ones the do not is because they believe it is too difficult of a fish to keep, but the ones that do have them tell me the do extremely well.

Running a 72 gallon right now but moving It to a 155 gallon tank with close to 200lbs live rock, yellow tang, Atlantic blue tang and a copper band butterfly that others tell me is too difficult of a fish but mine is 1 1/2 years and very healthy. If i do get a Moorish Idol i will move all the fish to the new tank at one to avoid territorial fighting.

All thoughts and experiences are greatly appreciated.

 

[JohnK]

In general they have a dismal survival rate in captivity. (IIRC far worse than CBBs, and your year and a half with a CBB is much better than average.)

Very rarely one (in a very large established tank with much attention to it's special needs, and a good amount of luck) does well over time.
Most of the people who say they are doing very well simply haven't killed them yet.
Most of the people who have already killed one or more, simply don't talk about it much.

You will be able to find whatever advice you seek if you look hard enough, but mine is don't try it.

 

[Turbosnail]

+1 to what John said.

 

[The Ng Thing]

Most of the people who say they are doing very well simply haven't killed them yet.
Most of the people who have already killed one or more, simply don't talk about it much.

Thumbs up

 

[JohnK]

BTW, no one is trying to flame the OP here.

Just giving and agreeing on the advice to use EXTREME caution in considering such a fish.

 

[pallobi]

very very very few people have any luck with these fish surviving more than a month, let alone an extended survival... its less than 1% regardless of what anyone tries to tell you... i am with JohnK with everything he said, these fish really are best left alone... granted, there are a couple people i have come across that have gotten them to feed and live for longer than 6 months, but that is like playing the lottery, and the chances are extremely low, and your setup needs to be large and done properly...

and agree with John again, this is not a flaming in any way, its jus the proven and documented results of many, many other aquarists, and compiled and overall EDUCATED opinions...