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Appearance:
- The Moorish idol has a highly compressed, disc-like body with a tube-like snout.
- Adults sport small bony protrusions above their eyes.
- Their mouth is small, adorned with many bristle-like teeth.
- The dorsal fin features elongated spines, forming a whip-like filament.
- Their striking coloration includes white, black vertical bands, a yellow patch at the posterior end, and a yellow saddle on the snout.
- The caudal fin is black with a white margin.
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Distribution and Habitat:
- Found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Moorish idols range from the eastern coast of Africa (between Somalia and South Africa) to Hawaii, Easter Island, and the Galapagos Islands.
- They inhabit depths between 3 and 182 meters (9.8 to 597.1 feet), favoring turbid lagoons, reef flats, and rocky coral reefs.
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Etymology:
- The genus name Zanclus refers to “sickle,” alluding to their long curved dorsal fin.
- The specific name, cornutus, means “horned,” referencing the bony protruberances over their eyes.
The Moorish idol’s unique name stems from Southeast Asian fishermen who release these fish when caught, honoring them with a bow. Interestingly, the term “Moor” is erroneously used, as it usually refers to the Amazigh people from Morocco, where this fish doesn’t occur in the wild.
Next time you dive into the ocean, keep an eye out for the graceful Moorish idol!
