Moorish Idol vs Heniochus, Which do you prefer?

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While both of these species are very popular in the aquarium trade due to they’re contrasting colors, graceful fins, and popularity in movies and TV shows, there’s definitely a few differences between them. Moorish idols are notorious for being picky eaters, and being aggressive in reef tanks. Heniochus are commonly nicknamed the Poor Man’s Moorish idol as they tend to be cheaper in price, more readily available, and less picky when it comes to prepared foods. I personally love the way Moorish idols look as I feel they have more of a sleek and streamline appearance. What’s your guy’s opinion on which you prefer, or do you think the same of both species?

 

[W31Olds]

Had this one about a year not and will be adding him to my new Tank. He has grown about an 1"

 

[edsbeaker]

I used to have 3 heniochus diphreutes (reef safe)in a tank years ago when they were still available from Hawaii and weren’t a hybrid with or mistaken for the acuminatus ( not reef safe). Now I can’t find any vendors that can accurately guarantee which theirs are.

They are my all time favorite fish. So hardy and beautiful. Moorish idols are too challenging for me to try.

Sorry about the poor picture!

 

[jmaneyapanda]

While both of these species are very popular in the aquarium trade due to they’re contrasting colors, graceful fins, and popularity in movies and TV shows, there’s definitely a few differences between them. Moorish idols are notorious for being picky eaters, and being aggressive in reef tanks. Heniochus are commonly nicknamed the Poor Man’s Moorish idol as they tend to be cheaper in price, more readily available, and less picky when it comes to prepared foods. I personally love the way Moorish idols look as I feel they have more of a sleek and streamline appearance. What’s your guy’s opinion on which you prefer, or do you think the same of both species?

You'll wanna clarify, as Heniochus is teh genus, not species, and there are some pertinent differences. If youre soley referring to the black and white Heniochus that look similar to Morrish Idols, youre likely talking H. diphruetes and H. acuminatus. H. diphruetes are generally considered WAY closer to being reef safe than acuminatus, so would likely be a better bet. They look very similar, and there are ways of visually telling them apart, but can be tricky to an untrained eye. Before the Hawaiian collection ban, there was a much easier way. If it was a Heniochus collected in Hawaii, it was the "reef safe" diphruetes, as that occurs in HAwaii, but acuminatus does not. Alas, that "cheat code" was taken from us.

 

[Privateye]

This thread is a bit of a tease for us East-coasters. While I'd definitely prefer a moorish idol, it's unusual to find stable individuals this far from the Pacific. I hear people in California have much better luck.

Back when I did aquarium maintenance we bought a few moorish idols. None ate and none made it through quarantine. Our success rate with Heniochus was close to 100%.

But hey, at least we have cheap and healthy royal grammas!

 

[Terry Le]

Love Moorish Idol. In my 20 + years I have tried a few time w/o success. The Poor man Idol I would like to have a triplet in my 375 gallons reef but never come across any

 

[Australian_Reef]

Moorish idol, every day of the week.

 

[Dave-T]

Moorish idols can be kept, I've had one for a year and a half, in my 240 gallon tank. Other than that his streamer won't grow all the way out, he's been thriving. He eats everything I feed the tank, mostly frozen mysis, with fish eggs and some other stuff mixed in for variety. I also feed quite a bit of Two Little Fishies Red Sea Veggies every day, for him and my other herbivores. I got him at Dr Reef, and he's been growing since I had him. Right now he's at least 6 inches.

Moorish Idols are purported not to last in captivity because they need sponge in their diet. I had quite a bit of invasive sponge in my tank when I added him, which he quickly decimated. But I think there is always some sponge growing for him to pick on. I'm hoping that that, combined with the sea veggies, will keep him digestively healthy.

 

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You'll wanna clarify, as Heniochus is teh genus, not species, and there are some pertinent differences. If youre soley referring to the black and white Heniochus that look similar to Morrish Idols, youre likely talking H. diphruetes and H. acuminatus. H. diphruetes are generally considered WAY closer to being reef safe than acuminatus, so would likely be a better bet. They look very similar, and there are ways of visually telling them apart, but can be tricky to an untrained eye. Before the Hawaiian collection ban, there was a much easier way. If it was a Heniochus collected in Hawaii, it was the "reef safe" diphruetes, as that occurs in HAwaii, but acuminatus does not. Alas, that "cheat code" was taken from us.

You are absolutely correct on that. If I had to specify I would say Heniochus diphruetes as they have a very similar look to the Moorish Idol, and used to be very popular in the aquarium trade.

 

[Jasonak]

No comparison, Idol one of my favorite fish in the tank, Ive also had a hencho.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Moorish! Although I don't know if I would ever have one.

 

[Jasonak]

Moorish! Although I don't know if I would ever have one.

Why do you not want one ? They are cool man :)

 

[Australian_Reef]

Why do you not want one ? They are cool man :)

Or have 3!

 

[Jasonak]

Or have 3!

I tried a pair and the other one ended up killing the one :(

 

[Australian_Reef]

I tried a pair and the other one ended up killing the one :(

I’ve had three together for 18mths now. The smaller two alternate between friendship and hatred depending on the lunar cycle. The larger seldom gets involved he/she is the king. But all have been together for a long time including QT. I originally wanted more, I decided against

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'll be the contrarian.

I'm not super fan of either one. Lots of fish are more attractive to me.

 

[Australian_Reef]

I'll be the contrarian.

I'm not super fan of either one. Lots of fish are more attractive to me.

You can’t be a contrarian without naming alternatives!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You can’t be a contrarian without naming alternatives!

Lol
I prefer any fish in my tank, which include
Carberryi Anthias, green chromis, mandarins, yellow tang, ocellaris clowns, and one spot foxface. :)

 

[DmitryB]

I'd love to have a Moorish Idol, but not sure my 170 tank is large enough.

 

[LARRY dAENINCK]

I have had a Moorish Idol in my 150 gallon with 11 tangs for about a year now and he is doing well. He eats everything I feed him, flake food,pellet,and frozen brine shrimp. His streamer never seems to grow as I think one of my tangs the Desjardin keeps picking at it as it trys to grow. the Moorish is about 4 to 5 inches big.