Moorish Idol

Photo: louisseattle · © all rights reserved

Moorish idols are among the most visually striking residents of Coral Gardens, their long trailing dorsal filaments making them immediately recognisable as they pick at encrusting algae and sponges between coral heads. Despite their elegant appearance they are notoriously difficult to keep in captivity, making wild encounters here particularly valued among reef naturalists who study their complex foraging territories.