Moorish Idol

[bensenvill]

I'm not looking for a flame war here so please bear with me. The store I work at recieved a moorish idol not that long ago (we specifically ask that the distributor not send us these but we have had a handful). Anyways he eats like a champ, any type of food I throw in he greedily gobbles up. So I took him home to try to give him the best home I could. Anyways, I was reading some of the old posts from july and I was wondering the status of the people who were trying to keep these beutiful fish. I was also wondering if anyone can help me build a food regiment that would be most appropriate. He gets three meals a day, morning is live brine, lunch is a cube of the formula variety pack, and dinner is either formula 1 or 2 flakes. Once again he'll eat anything so what I put in doesnt seem to be a problem.

 

[FishHead1]

I hear they won't last long without a partner.

 

[bensenvill]

I understand that, I am well aware of their shortcomings. I wont have access to any other idols (especially ones that are eating). Otherwise I would have preffered to have a group of 5. I am specifically interested in his nutritional requirements.

 

[naesco]

I am happy that your LFS has a policy that does not bring these impossible to keep species.
Gazpep on this board may be able to help you with your rescue effort.

 

[Niven]

Terrence, what size tank do you have? There was a gentleman about a year ago that had great info on his site, but I can't find it now

I'll look around.
Niven

BTW,
Which store do you work at???

 

[Niven]

Found it

Jeff and Anne's Tank Page
HTH,
Niven

 

[Colonel]

I was one of the folk on the July post. I had the Idol for about 5 months, but even with my best effort it did not make it. It died in early October. Was eating great - same as yours, anything I gave it. All food was soaked in Selcon.
Got up on a Saturday and he was belly up. No sign of any problems. All other fish were OK. The night before he ate as normal. In fact he had grown quite a bit in the time I had him. I was very sad that he did not make it. As I said in July the fish was given to me, and I did my best, but I would never try another. Beautiful fish, but better left in the Ocean.

 

[bensenvill]

colonel, I appreciate the update. This fish is definitely a one time shot and I would be the happiest man alive if I can have the pleasure of watching him for atleast 5 months. In response, the tank he is in now is a 46 gal with a perc cloan and a red lip blenny. I wanted to make sure I could easily get him food and that he wouldnt be competing with more aggressive fish. I do have room for him in larger tanks but I may have trouble getting food to him, which is more important? Also Colonel, what food did you typically feed him.

thanks guys
~Terrence

 

[bensenvill]

Niven, thanks for that page, very helpful!

 

[Colonel]

Mysis shrimp, Artima (brine) and blood worms, all soaked in selcon for at least 10 minutes. He never would take flake, or any of the formula (1,2 or angel) foods, I also had green algae on a clip for the tang, never saw him take it, but you never know for sure. Mine was in a 55 with a yellow tang and a tomato clown, and three green chromis.

What i don't understand is the sudden death. No sign of trouble of any kind. Water parameters were all perfect. Nitrates have always been <10ppm