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Moorish Idol

Pacific Fish ID

Zanclus cornutus

Adult 

Family: Moorish Idols (Zanclidae)
Size: Up to 23 cm (9 in) | Common: 15 cm
Depth: 3 – 180m (10 – 600ft)
Distribution: Widespread Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific.

Identification:
Often confused with “Bannerfish,” but the Moorish Idol is unique—the only species in its entire family.

  • Distinct Features: Disk-like body with broad vertical bands of black, white, and yellow. The snout is tubular with a small orange saddle across the top.
  • The Filament: The dorsal fin extends into a long, trailing white filament that whip-cracks as they swim. This filament often gets shorter as they age or if nipped by predators.

Behavior:
A picky eater with a partner for life.

  • Diet: They are specialized grazers that feed almost exclusively on sponges and tunicates.
  • Social: In Bahia Solano, you typically see them in pairs (they are believed to mate for life) or small aggregations grazing over the rocky reef.
  • Swimming: They are fast and erratic swimmers, often making sharp turns into crevices, which makes them a fun challenge to photograph.

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Behind the Lens

Jalvan

Underwater Photographer & Instructor

Documenting unique marine biodiversity from the Red Sea across the Pacific Ocean. Dedicated to creating a visual catalog of Bahia Solano’s marine life for conservation and research.

Photography: Sony A7C II | Olympus EPL10
Video: Osmo Action 5 Pro | GoPro

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REFERENCES & DATA SOURCES

  • Scientific ID: Verified via FishBase.
  • Field Guide: Reef Fish Identification: Baja to Panama (Humann & DeLoach).
  • Regional Data: Ankla Azul Marine Observation Log (Bahia Solano).

More Than Kicking Your Fins

At Ankla Azul, diving is more than kicking your fins. It’s patient teaching, sharp safety, and real care for the place we call home. As an SSI Instructor Training Center and an SSI Blue Oceans Center (2025 award), we blend skill-building with ocean awareness—Fish ID, coral nursery work, community education, and rescue support—so every dive grows confidence and respect for Bahía Solano’s wild Pacific.