Talking Fish: Can YOU keep Moorish Idols?

In today's Taras Talks we take a deeper dive into Moorish Idols and the beauty they bring to reef aquariums. Taras explains the needs and demands of these stunning creatures, and how WE can successfully keep them in a reef aquarium!
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[@bluethebunnylord9274]

So the dentist in finding Nemo had absolutely no chance of keeping a Moorish idol in his tank. Theres zero corral, zero sponges, everything was artificial with nothing that a moorish idol needs. After watching this video, I am not surprised that Gil wanted to get out of that tank and jumped out of it the first time.

[@Davidsworldz]

Mine doesn’t eat corals doesn’t bother anything and eats anything I feed him

[@lindabrady3011]

I've always admired Moorish Idols but I never felt the need to try to keep one myself. It makes sense why some many people have struggled to keep them in captivity since they have such specialized dietary needs.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Absolutely one you should do your research on, and have a well maintained system that is large in size and mature! Thanks for checking the video out and dropping a comment! -Blaine

[@atoro3578]

Since watching finding Nemo , this fish has always been a fish I’ve wanted. Its beauty and regal look is amazing. But its special needs have kept it just a dream. Beauty is not always meant to own or keep, but to admired.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

For sure got a big surge in demand when "Finding Nemo" hit the scene, you are right about that! Thanks for the comment and checking out the video! -Blaine

[@queencityreefs]

Great video. I can appreciate this knowledge being shared so we, the consumer can make an educated decision on whether we should buy this fish or not.

[@TokelauIslands]

Finding Nemo made everyone want this fish. Keep up the good work guys! 😊

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Was a huge push for it post Nemo no doubt! Thanks for stopping by, much appreciated! -Blaine

[@lucidairity7927]

First love the thumbnail it's awesome second love the fish talk series guys it's a rad topic that is for such a freaking big part of our hobby isn't talked about enough my personal favorite fish in the ocean is the moorish idol I love that they much like a swan need companionship they have unique need for they digestion and temperatures for that's exact reason as well I'm a sponge nerd and algae geek so I love learning about how to make the frame of owning these fish a possibility ofc I'd be putting them in a beautiful saltwater pond cause I need that space 😂

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Thanks for checking out the video! A lot of great information about Moorish Idols in this video, Taras for sure goes into some great details! Appreciate the comment! -Blaine

[@len6482]

New Life Spectrum made big claims when they first came to market with their food. They said Moorish Idols would eat it. We gave it a try and it worked. We had no issue keeping Moorish Idols after that.

[@douglasdweck8691]

Which flavor? This brand makes many items. I actually feed that brand to my fish now.

[@billssaltwaterheaven]

Great video! My Idol is doing great, eating well. Very luck I got a good one!

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Love to hear that, also love to see your system! Thanks for checking it out! -Blaine

[@andrewdixon5703]

I am really enjoy watching these fish series videos. I wish I could keep a Moorish Idol, but I don't trust my skills just yet.

[@meakin2424]

I would like to keep one someday. Going to put in my future 300G DT. Will wait a few years until tank is fully mature. I have to figure more specialized food comes well before they are captive bred based off larvae schedule

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Mature tank is a good place to start, and a well rounded amount of research is the right way to go! -Blaine

[@carlheller6648]

That's crazy it's only one of it kind. Beautiful fish

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Was shocked to learn this as well, a species that truly has become a survivor! Thanks for the comment! -Blaine

[@Thetitanspeakerpro]

So i bought a moorish idol i named him Gill 2.0 he was in a 29 gallon aquariam we got a petco he lived with us for 2 days now he didint die because of stress he was doing perfectly fine but then the next dsy i woke up and i found him lifeless on rocks thanks for helping out😊

[@oprofessionell]

Sounds like he died from stress or insufficent feeding. They grow rather huge and need swimming space to not feel constrained or stressed. A 29 gallon is sadly way too small. They also need frequent feedings daily.

[@MyLifeAsBrandon]

Bro, why the hell would you even get a fish you know nothing about? Thats like getting a husky and wondering why the house is covered in hair… Bruh

[@TheHerm14]

I have been keeping Moorish Idols in all size of tanks. I have one in a 40 gallon holding tank with some soft corals. Moorish Idols like reef environments with moderate flow. Nothing too extreme. Stress is what will keep a Moorish Idol from eating. They need a stress free environment meaning tank mates that will not stress it out at all. Once a Moorish Idols gets established in its environment. It can get a bit territorial. I am no beginner but I have had no problem setting up a new system dedicated to Moorish Idols. However they need a stable environment and are like SPS and do not do well to change. If your someone who continues to change things up in their reef system and likes to constantly change the flow and constantly messing with water chemistry to try something new,, Moorish Idols are not for you. Also they don’t do well in copper treated water long term.. UV sterilizer on your system is all you need in my experience.. Great Video..

[@megantraxler138]

I have an overabundance of pineapple sponges.. does that count lol? Forreal though sounds like a really difficult fish to keep.

[@chamoyuan24]

GENERAL QUESTION ?? if i already housing selfing tang in which mororish idol similar shape? meaning i m to introduced moorish idol which is really to adapt and eat? should i add the fish with another fish to minimize the aggression ?

[@JuanRodriguez-wc3ty]

So far mine has not eaten any of my corals yet.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Great to hear, hope it continues to be a novel citizen in your reef tank! -Blaine

[@DGGuaglianone]

I really wanted to get a Moriah idol I’m growing sponges in a fish less tank and nutritional macro algae’s to hopefully meet their dietary needs. But now I’m realizing a 4 foot tank would just not be enough swimming space for this elegant animal 😪

[@TopShelfAquatics]

They do need quite the space to scavenge and swim! Glad you are doing your due diligence to try your best and raising one yourself! -Blaine

[@ArachnoJoozt]

Even with silicate dosing you'll never be able to keep up with a constantly grazing fish (except maybe having a huge cryptic sump where sponges can be cultured). Even if I would have the space this would be an ocean-only fish until captive bred. Note the huge difference between the condition of the fish in the wild in this video compared to the one in the tank behind Taras, nicely filled out healthy specimens compared to a rather skinny fish with the spine showing.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

A fish that requires some specialty needs! No doubt should be going to mature large systems that are under the care of an advanced hobbyist! Appreciate your input, and leaving a comment on the video! Good to get this back and fourth with the TSA KZbin community! -Blaine

[@laurenandrade8253]

I wanted one so bad . Nvm .

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Its possible, but you just need to make sure you really are doing the research and providing a well established large system that the fish can enjoy and thrive in! -Blaine

[@nithveni]

So essentially they need to swim long distance, but yet you want to put them in a tank? What a joke. Why would you purchase this knowing all this information?

[@insanity4224]

They travel in search of food. If you can provide a large aquarium (200gal+) you can provide an environment where they can swim continuously. If you provide the food they require to thrive then you have provided what this fish needs. Of course it is still an expert only species for many reasons.

[@yoshuasetiawan2029]

are you that guy from bibleproject?

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Wait... like.... Jesus? -Blaine

[@opethmike]

Honestly, really seems like a fish that should not be in aquariums at all.

[@TopShelfAquatics]

One that requires some extra dedication, and for sure needs to be going to a reef that is mature and cared for by an advanced hobbyist! -Blaine

[@johnbrand1893]

So the bottom line is, only professional reef keepers like yourself that understands the needs of a Moorish Idol would be best in keeping these majestic creatures of the tropical oceans, the not so informed of expert reef keepers are killing these beauties just because they love them or fancy a go at keeping them without duly understanding there total needs to sustain and keep alive. Even if their captive bred one day, they would still be a challenge to keep in a marine tank big enough to house them successfully. Some marine fish are probably best left to their natural behaviours and life in the worlds oceans 🌊 Does anyone know the lifespan of the Moorish Idol in nature 🤷‍♂️

[@TopShelfAquatics]

Fish that for sure need the proper care and system! Possibly one day with captive breeding efforts will allow for a stronger version of this species to be readily available, BUT who knows! Thanks for the comment! -Blaine

[@retrorevival1]

in 2008 Kieron Dodds spent almost 3 years writing an article for Tropical Fish Magazine on whether keeping the Moorish Idol is still impossible. He lost 382 specimens in that time. none survived. Pablo Tepoot is the most well known to keep a school of 25 individuals thriving for many years. He says other than the Georgia Aquarium he doesn't know anyone else to successfully keep a large school of Idols