Sad that it died but I'm glad it happened at the store so perhaps they'll be less likely to support the distribution of them.
Moorish Idol
- Thread starter tankanator
- Start date
If you buy it, they will order a new one in stock to replace it. Saving fish from the LFS doesn't work for that reason.OK my LFS has a Moorish Idol, now I know how every body feels about keeping them but if the LFS has it someone will buy it. The Moorish Idol is eating and looks very healthy, and I'm thinking of adding it to my 180 GAL. I know this is a sore subject for some and they should be left in the wild, but I feel that it would have a better chance with me then some person buying it that No's nothing about this fish.
I don't have anything to back this comment up; but I'd bet the farm that more "easy" fish are lost to inexperienced aquarists than "difficult" fish are lost to experienced fishkeepers (who will do the necessary research)---even as a percentage of fish sold. Just look at the "Nemo Factor". People running to Petco and trying to keep a hippo tang in a goldfish bowl. How many "cute little mandarins are lost by well-meaning people who have no idea of the demands of this fish? I don't consider myself an "expert"; but the challenge of seeing a new fish thrive is a big part of the hobby for me and losing a fish along the way is part of the hobby. From an ethics standpoint; what is the difference between having a powder blue tang (considered difficult) die, in spite of my best efforts and having to throw away a freezer burned package of haddock? The tang is prettier, but certainly not an endangered species. Forums like this are the best places to learn and share info; but, and I only speak for myself, I am not going to lay a bunch of guilt on anyone who makes an educated and sincere attempt to keep a difficult fish.
I think that anyone that was really up to the task of advanced husbandry wouldn't be asking me for advice on whether they could attempt it or not. =)
I am not a expert by any means but I've had great success taking care of saltwater fish. I take pride in knowing what each of my fish needs to stay healthy and happy, that's why I joined this forum and have learned so much from this site. Believe you me I was almost one of those parents that bought Scar because my kids wanted it, but took a step back and did my home work on the Moorish Idol. I think that if I get another chance I'll at least wait awhile and let my 180 as i would say age a little more.
Tank, you obviously care about fish and you probably know more than I do about them. I do think you'd do whatever you could to sucessfully keep a MI or anything else you'd put in your tank.
i noticed something in the article - it'll eat bananas?!?
I didn't know that was a food option for fish.
I didn't know that was a food option for fish.
You are right, this species is rarely an actual finicky eater. When I worked at an LFS, they did eat well, but always wasted away. Like someone said earlier, sponge is the primary component of this fish's diet--here is a quantitative gut analysis of this species to demonstrate not only their major inclusion of sponge, but broad (and hard to replicate) diet in general:
84.5% sponge
11.3% algae
1.1% misc. benthic invertebrates
.9% Mollusks
.7% benthic crustaceans (Gammarideans, Tanaids, Decopod shrimp)
.6% worms
.3% foraminifera
.2% hydrozoans
.2% (Barnacle cirrhi)
.2% ascidians
84.5% sponge
11.3% algae
1.1% misc. benthic invertebrates
.9% Mollusks
.7% benthic crustaceans (Gammarideans, Tanaids, Decopod shrimp)
.6% worms
.3% foraminifera
.2% hydrozoans
.2% (Barnacle cirrhi)
.2% ascidians
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Yes I have read that they need allot of sponge in there diet, but what is out there that has sponge in it other then raising it your self.
