Haters Gonna Hate

[Myka]

Moorish Idols aren't as popular as some difficult fish like Copperband Butterflies for example. I find CBBs to be a frustrating fish because you can find one in darn near every LFS on darn near any day of the week, and it seems like darn near every reef hobbyist takes a stab at the fish. At only $25, many people don't think twice about it. Moorish Idols cost a bit more, get a bit bigger, and aren't seen as often in the LFS so there aren't as many people taking a stab at them, and thus not as many people failing. I think a Moorish Idol is probably easier to keep for a year or more than a CBB provided each fish is eating.

Originally Posted by MarkoD

thanks guys. i was honestly expecting a bunch of people to come in here and tell me to leave this fish in the wild. although that could be a valid argument, it was already at the store, if i hadnt bought it, someone with a 40 gallon tank could have bought it

The argument about not buying the fish is that if an LFS can't sell a specie of fish and instead have that fish repeatedly die in their care or sit in the tank for weeks then they will quit importing that fish. LFS don't make money off dead fish or fish that stay in their tanks for weeks (or months) on end.

You are taking the right approach to keeping this fish, and you seem to know what you're getting into. You had at least 10 weeks to think about the fish and research its needs (which I hope you took advantage of). That's about the best you can do and people should admire the dedication and passion you have.

Originally Posted by Madreefer

These douchetards as I like to call them

I don't think name calling gets anyone anywhere. No need for that.

[ALang]

Good luck with the beauty! Keep us posted.

[daniella3d]

Why is that? if a copperband is eating well and it is healthy why would it not last more than one year?

I have my copperband for a year now and I surely hope he'll live longter than that because he's my favorite fish. Very fat, active and healthy.

Do they have such short livespawn as 1 year???

Originally Posted by Myka

I think a Moorish Idol is probably easier to keep for a year or more than a CBB provided each fish is eating.

[Coralgurl]

There's no reason to hate on this, you and your LFS did a good job before it even got to your tank. You're now making sure it is not stressed by its other tankmates and letting it get settled, its eating like a piggy. Its forums like these that make educating people so much easier. I know someone who added 2 (qt, eating first, etc), I saw them and thought, oh nice fishes. He told me more about them and I knew they were not for me (lack of experience, too small of a tank, etc). He took a LOT of heat as well for the MIs, and for having 2 but he's done extremely well with them, I believe they went into a 300 gl set up.

Thank you for sharing, looking forward to updates on how he's doing.

[globaldesigns]

Very impressed with this thread, all positive, and this is what we all should see.

Congrats on the new fish, they are beautiful. I hope it thrives in your tank.

[George]

Originally Posted by daniella3d

Why is that? if a copperband is eating well and it is healthy why would it not last more than one year?

I have my copperband for a year now and I surely hope he'll live longter than that because he's my favorite fish. Very fat, active and healthy.

Do they have such short livespawn as 1 year???

It's most likely because of their diet. Both CBB and MI are very specific about what they eat in the wild. Therefore their digest systems are adapted to what they eat. If you feed some foods that not their nature diet, they may eat them. But they probably won't be able to digest them. Or maybe they can digest the food, but there are some specific nutrients in their diet that are missing from what they are eating in our tanks. This specifically apply to MI since we know that their main diet is sponge in the wild.

[MarkoD]

this fish is hilarious and so interesting to watch.

when i feed the tank i always feed it on the left side and allow the powerheads to scatter the food.

well he figured it out so when he sees that im feeding he goes up to the egg crate and puts his mouth through one of the holes so he can reach the food before it crosses the eggcrate

[Myka]

Originally Posted by daniella3d

Why is that? if a copperband is eating well and it is healthy why would it not last more than one year? I have my copperband for a year now and I surely hope he'll live longter than that because he's my favorite fish. Very fat, active and healthy. Do they have such short livespawn as 1 year???

George has the right idea. Most Butterflyfish, some Angels, Moorish Idols, some other fish...they have poor long-term survival. The cause hasn't been studied (as most things in the reef hobby), so it is not known for sure, but the pros are suggesting that it is likely due to us being unable to provide a suitable diet for them to thrive long-term. Most of these fish naturally eat a lot of sponge in their diet, but again that hasn't been studied so there could be other things we are missing. Your best bet is to feed a specie intended diet.

[MarkoD]

moorish idol still doing great.

eats everything i feed my tank (nori, NLS, Formula1, brine shrimp, plankton) plus ive been using sponge power and theres hundreds of pineapple sponges growing everywhere and he hunts for those throughout the day.

[Skimmerking]

Marko good to hear man , put a mirror in front of the tangs and that will solve your problems i did it for 2 weeks and now its like they dont care m y kole is constantly looking for himself too funny