Moorish idol rolling the dice !!

[Thomashtom]

Found this guy at a local LFS. Eats everything. Flakes, pellets and frozen. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Coralreefer1]

They are beautiful specimens however they are very difficult to keep in captivity, hence the reason you don’t find them in pet shops very often. Often times, aquarists succumb to frustration and sadness when what started off as a healthy and beautiful specimen winds up surrendering to the same fate as countless others...sickness and death.
Having said this, their is hope however! Optimal water parameters, compatible tank mates, varied foods together can play out favorably towards maintaining an Idol in captivity for years to come.

 

[norfolkgarden]

Paul B said he feeds a lot of fresh clams to his copperband.

I know they are not the same animal but they are both difficult to keep fat even when they look like they are eating a lot.

Clams, mussels and blackworms to heavily supplement other foods.

He had an Idol for years till a tank accident.

No way I'm going to stick an Idol in a 75. But I have been drooling over them for 6 years.
[emoji6]
LFS gets them in a few times a year. I still need a 180+ before even considering it.
[emoji846]

 

[TheRealDmorty217]

Feed several times a day and a variety of enriched food with things like vitamins and selcon if possible. I have had one for a year and still is doing great. They don't do well with aggressive tank mates and if they are getting picked on won't fair well at all.

 

[theMeat]

Found one that eats, great, that’s a score. Feed lotsa sponge and fresh unfrozen foods and it will live for years.
Have seen again and again people who get them to eat, watch them get fat, then watch them die.

For people considering an idol, or trying to get one to eat, sounds weird but....
New life spectrum is in most cases the best way to get them to start eating. But even if they’re gaining weight will not sustain them for long. This has been my experience

 

[BestMomEver]

Good luck! He’s beautiful!