Family ZANCLIDAE

Zanclidae

© Copyright Ros Poole.

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Introduction

The Moorish Idol, Zanclus cornutus, is the sole representative of the family Zanclidae. It ranges widely in the Indo-Pacific region from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Americas. Randall et al. (1990, 1997) and Kuiter & Debelius (2001) provided a diagnosis and colour illustrations of the species.

Zanclus cornutus is an inhabitant of coral reefs. It is solitary or occurs in small aggregations. The diet consists of algae and benthic invertebrates, including sponges. The Moorish Idol is readily recognised by its bold pattern of black and yellow bars, the very elongate, pennant-like dorsal fin, and tubular snout. The maximum length is about 22 cm.

General References

Kuiter, R.H. & Debelius, H. 2001. Surgeonfishes, Rabbitfishes and Their Relatives. A comprehensive guide to Acanthuroidei. Chorleywood, U.K. : TMC Publishing 208 pp.

Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & Steene, R. 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Bathurst : Crawford House Press 507 pp. figs.

Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & Steene, R. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Bathurst : Crawford House Press 557 pp. figs.

Common Name References

Randall, J.E. 2001. Zanclidae, Acanthuridae. pp. 3651-3683 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, T.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 6 pp. 3381-4218. [3651] (Moorish Idol)

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