Beautiful
Hawaiian
Marine life
brought to you by
LET'S GO
SHORE DIVE'N'
on the
Kona Coast

The MOORISH IDOL FISH (Zanclus cornutus) Family Zanclidae This fish is the only species in this family. Although the Moorish Idol resembles the butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae) in general appearance, this fish is more closely related to the surgeon fishes (Acanthuridae), but it does not have the bony plate or spine found on the caudal peduncle of that family. The Moorish Idol mates for life, like many butterfly fishes. The body is taller than long and has a long protruding snout. It is one of the most beautiful of fishes in Hawaii, with its bizarre shape and attractive coloration. The long dorsal fin is usually long and flowing - and as it ages, it shortens - so the longest are often the youngest - which surprises many. The body is vertically striped with bands of black, yellow and white. Look closely and you'll see some blue stripes on the tail and some red markings on the top and sides of the snout. Sometimes this fish reaches a length of eight or nine inches - but they are few and far between - and becoming fewer and farther between each day. They can be seen from Hawaii to Australia and from the west coast of Central America to the coast of Africa and the Red Sea.