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Moorish Idol

Zanclus cornutus

Photo by lori.tas
Published on Project Noah
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-24.122, 152.719

Field Notes

Description:

With distinctively compressed and disk-like bodies, Moorish idols stand out in contrasting bands of black, white and yellow, which makes them attractive to aquarium keepers. The fish have relatively small fins, except for the dorsal fin whose six or seven spines are dramatically elongated to form a trailing, sickle-shaped crest called the philomantis extension. Moorish idols have small terminal mouths at the end of long, tubular snouts; many long bristle-like teeth line the mouth.

Habitat:

Coral sea.

Notes:

These were fairly numerous around Lady Elliot Island.

Species ID Suggestions

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Photographed
PublishedSeptember 30, 2013

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