moorish idol

[eleyan]

I just got this guy today from aquatek. I wasn't sure about him in the biggining, but when I found out he is eating frozen and ever pellets, I got him right away. He is really great looking. Most books and websites say they are verry difficult to keep. Is it only the feeding issue, or are they also weak deseas wise? I have him seperated from the other fish until he gets used to the tank.

[Tim Marvin]

Keep your water pristine and it should do well! Eating frozen huh? Nice catch!

[NaCl_H2O]

Nice fish! I've always been tempted!! How compatible is the Morish Idol with corals & inverts?

.. very nice fish!

[::pete::]

How compatible is the Morish Idol with corals & inverts

With caustion, but that goes with a few other fish we keep too.

Beautiful fish ...

[Ross]

Thats awesome....but i would be worried about him being caught with cyanide. If he was theres nothing you can do about it...hes doomed. But good luck!

[astrong]

Moorish Idols are like butterflies, heniochus and angels, they look great and eat up until the day they die. This usaully happens in the first few weeks so if he makes it past then he should be OK. Its not a feeding or disease issue you need to worry about initially. Its the "Wake up Dead" scenario. This is usually attributed to shipping or cyanide. Afterwards just keep the water quality up and the feedings varied and frequent, and he should be fine.

They can be kept safely with SPS but can sometimes be problematic with LPS and Clams. Safe with inverts though.

[eleyan]

Thanks for all the info. He still looks healthy on day 3 and is eating flakes and pellets as well. I was thinking of putting some easy softies in that tank (star polyps, xenias, kult ..) will he eat those? I'm also worried about introducing him to the rest of the fish in the tank. I hope they pay nice :)

[Instar]

Keep him divided for a long time. That naso is not going to play, he is going to attempt to kill and he outweighs the idol. Keeping the divider in will get them used to each other but its going to take a LOT longer than a couple weeks. The idol is not likely to live long on flake and pellets. I'm not saying stop using them, just suppliment well. He needs some real food. Krill, frozen plankton (small krill from San Franciso Bay without a gel binder) will help and he also will eat a slime green algae so that means try nori. It may take a couple times. He won't bother sps or softies or feather dusters. Not sure about lps. He would like a worm or two and perhaps a split fresh black mussel. I know they like those little cultured live clams from HEB too. Diets of pellets can be short of enough bioavailable vitamin A and the black mussel will supply that and I believe the nori will too. With out A, they will cease to thrive. Good luck, I hope you have him for a very long time!

[SarahPSl]

That is an awesome fish!

I saw it at AquaTek but one of the guys there said it should only be kept in a really large tank, like 200 - 300 gallons.

Does anyone know if this is correct and would it be because it has to potential to be a giant fish?

[eleyan]

everywhere I looked, it said 100-125G tank. I think max size he'll get is only 7-8".

[CD]

Every book I've read says that they are very difficult to impossible to keep in a home aquarium set up. Larry (Instar) is giving you the best advise possible...I really recommend listening to everything he is telling you :) ALL very sound information!

I did some research on them, and each book and website I read says that they are a fish to avoid (due to the high mortality rate in home aquariums). General information as follows:
* Max. length: 6.3 inches
* Min. aquarium size: 100 gal. +
* Food and Feeding: Very difficult to feed. Varied diet, including finely chopped table shrimp, squid, clams, mysid shrimp, vitamin-enriched live brine shrimp, live black worms, as well as vegetable matter. Also offer foods with Spirulina and various marine algae. Feed several times a day. Reluctant feeders may require live rock with rich coralline algae and sponge growth (their natural fare) to survive.
* Reef Aquarium Compatibility: An occasional individual will nip large polyped stony corals as well as certain soft coral polyps.
* Captive Care: This glorious fish has been on the want list of most marine aquarists at one time or another. Unfortunately, it is difficult to keep. In most cases it will refuse to eat or will never take food with gusto and will slowly starve or decline in health. Several can be kept together. Needs plenty of unobstructed swimming space as well as holes or crevices into which it can dive when threatened.

Hope that helps in some small way. He's a beauty! Please keep us posted on how he is doing from time to time, and I wish you the best of luck with him. :)

Wendy

[Jenn]

Geez Wendy, I wish I could get my Husband to see it your way. We have been arguing back and forth on this issue. I was winning until I read him Eleyan's post - now all I hear is "Call Aquatek"!

Such a beautiful fish. Its a shame they don't survive well in captivity. I am anxious to see how this one does. Thanks for posting his progress Eleyan. Please keep updates coming.

[Instar]

They do need a large tank and 100 gallons is not nearly enough. They are extremely powerful swimmers -- very, very strong and need space to excercise this ability. There is no doubt that the strongest constant ocean currents would not even slow them down. They also need some depth, so a deeper tank is better. I've seen them in 18 inches of water, in an 8 foot by 8 foot sps/gorgonian cube but they are so powerful they can rise too fast to the top in that. They are also extremely agile swimmers. Amazing to watch when they are healthy. I sure don't recommend them as they are very likely to be sensitive to the additions in our tanks when the alkalinity is higher than normal due to kalk reactors, although over time and slow changes, they may adjust to elevated levels most people keep in sps reefs. One only (as they are likely to fight over food when put into a tank and they start to eat) until a group can be established. That takes a lot of doing with dividers and extra tanks.

[CD]

I was winning until I read him Eleyan's post - now all I hear is "Call Aquatek"!


Heheh...Well, to be honest, I'm more than just a bit disappointed in Aquatek for even selling a fish like that. Larry's (Instar) advice is ALL stellar, and I personally believe him when he says that he doesn't recommend keeping them. Everything I've come across as far as info I've read says it's irresponsible to keep/sell them at best, because most of them die unless kept in a HUGE and very established system. I hate to say it, but I partially blame the writers of "Finding Nemo"...when my hubby and I frequent the LFSs, I can't tell you the amount of times I see parents trying to find all the fish from that movie at their children's insistance. I know the book I quoted from above (Pkt. expert guide to Marine Fishes by Scott Michael) only suggested a 100g tank as a "bare minimum" starting size, but a 300+ gal. established system would probably be more appropriate. I would imagine the best thing eleyan could do is devote that entire 135g to JUST the Idol...all by himself. That way, he wouldn't have to worry about his naso terrorizing the Idol, and he could keep the tank additives down to a bare minimum. I've never seen one of these beauties in person, and they are not easy to find. If you think about it, there's probably a good reason for that...they *shouldn't* be found/sold/taken off the reefs. I don't want to sound like a "negative Nellie" here, but we should all just try and remember why we got into this hobby in the first place...hopefully, to be the best/most informed keepers we can be, conserve the natural reefs by trading our existing tank raised corals and fish as much as possible, and most of all - accepting the deep responsibility we have taken upon ourselves for the well-being of our captive charges. I absolutely LOVE all creatures, and as far as our reef tank goes...My husband and I are *both* constantly reading as much material as we can find to be as good as we possibly can to the little creatures we have, and with a hobby like this, one can NEVER have too much information. To me, this is very serious stuff, and should never be taken lightly. In the interests of the fish we keep, we should always do as much research as possible *before* purchases (no impulse buys). I hope this is not coming across like lecturing, but I REALLY DO care about these creatures. Not just the ones in our tank, but ALL of them. I apologise to everyone if I come across as overly serious on the subject. To be honest, I almost didn't write this because I don't want anybody to get upset, but please understand that it's only because I care SO much.

All in all, I just wish eleyan the best of luck with this beauty, and hope it lives a long and happy life.

Wendy

[JimD]

Take a deeeeep breath,,,, relaaaaxxxx,,,,,, lol.... Nicely put and I wholeheartedly agree, research is the key to success, hindsight is always 20/20.

[CD]

Take a deeeeep breath,,,, relaaaaxxxx,,,,,, lol.... Nicely put and I wholeheartedly agree



LOL....I know, I know. :) Heheh...I'm much better now...

I guess I may get a tad too passionate about reefkeeping at times, but it is truly the most amazing hobby I have ever been involved with, and I just want to help as best I can - and not **** anybody off in the process :) That's just me though, and I hope if I ever DO get anyone upset with me, that they will tell me about it! ;)

Wendy

[eleyan]

:cry2: Thanks for making me feel like I just clubed a baby seal wendy :cry2: Tell you the trouth, I had completly forgot about getting a MI after I found out how delicate they were. I was looking for a Heniochus instead (poor mans moorish idol :) ). But when I ran accross this guy and he was eating well and holding his own in a tank with other tangs and large fish, that little voice in the back of my head started getting louder again (I should have taken my medication that day :) ).

I hope this was not a big mistake :?

[CD]

Thanks for making me feel like I just clubed a baby seal wendy


Awwww cripes...LOL This is exactly what I didn't want to do, but I'm glad you let me know!!! The fact that you are here looking for help is what is important now. It is clear that you want to do the best you can for your new Moorish Idol, and in reality, the fish was going to get sold to somebody, so I'm GLAD it was you. He (or she) is eating, and that is probably the ace in the hole for you. Definitely listen to Larry though, as far as feeding a more varied diet and any other advise he will give. He knows what he's talking about! Please keep us all posted on your progress...I feel this will be a great accomplishment on your part, and if you are successful in keeping this fish, it will be something to be VERY proud of!!! Please don't beat yourself up about getting him though...as I said, it's a GOOD thing that you were the person to bring him home. Just think...it could have ended up going home with somebody that keeps goldfish in a bowl, and just that second decided they wanted a SW tank.
Since you are in Austin, I would love to see your MI in person one day...LMK, cool? ;)

Wendy

[eleyan]

No prblem. PM me when you want to stop by

[::pete::]

How is the Idol doing? Has the egg crate come out?

[eleyan]

Well, My fish turned out to be too aggressive for him, so he is now happily living in Jenn's tank. The day after she took him, and I removed the egg crate the grouper went crazy fighting over the cave in that side, and I lost one of the rabits after it got some rally nasty cuts :(

[Jenn]

The update on the idol is he is doing great. After a lengthy acclimation, he went into the tank with the moonlight on. When I woke up, he had joined the gang (3 regals, 1 naso, 1 foxface). He has his own cave and everyone gets along great! Only problem is that he is a very peaceful fish in every situation. I have to put in the divider to feed and make sure he gets his fair share - the others are pigs and go nuts when I feed them.
I have read everything that Larry said (thank you) and have ordered some vitamins and Nori for him. I will keep the update going if you guys are interested.

Jenn

[Polkster13]

You ought to change your avitar to the Moorish Idol.

Is it still eating well? Got any new pics?

[CD]

I will keep the update going if you guys are interested


:) You *know* I'm interested :)

Side note: I've been afraid of going into Aquatek lately, as I fear I just *may* ***** somebody out for offering that fish for sale... :skeezy:
Heheheheh.....

Wendy

[scuba_steveo]

Side note: I've been afraid of going into Aquatek lately, as I fear I just *may* ***** somebody out for offering that fish for sale... :skeezy:
Heheheheh.....

Wendy

Wendy, I think your post is way to harsh. Aquatek has always given me hands down the best advice of all LFS. And you were not there when it was sold so for you to say this I think is way to harsh and actually borders as slander, IMO. Although very hard to keep, a moorish idol can be kept by an advanced hobbyist. And it seems like it is in good hands now. If you have a personal experience about how you were treated at Aquatek, good or bad, please post it. Otherwise, please to not bash.

Here is my personal experience. When I was starting out I knew nothing about keeping a tank, salt or fresh. Most stores would not even deal with me. Aquatek gave me hours of free advice and a bid in my budget on how to do a right setup. I did not listen to them. I thought I could be the first person to successfully keep a reef in an eclipse tank. Like I said, I knew nothing. So against all their advice I made then sell me an eclipse with a retrofit PC kit. The tank looked fine for a while but my water was always of a poor quality and I lost a lot of corals and fish. Finally they told me I was crazy and I needed to buy a hang on skimmer and refugium and get a MH light. Now I have one of the nicest 37-gallon tanks around, IMO, and I completely owe it to Aquatek. They helped me again with hours of advice on my new 215 and I only bought a few components from them. I wish I had bought more from them. They even just sold me an osmolator and drove down to SA with it and hooked it up for me. Now that is service. So, thank you Aquatek.

[GaryP]

Steve,

I think that in this case Aquatek has been caught up in a stereotype that many other LFS are guilty of. They may in fact be innocent. How many LFS do you know of that sell mandarins, cleaner wrasses, or other fish that have little or no chance of survival without qualifying the customer? How many stories have we heard of "nemo" going home in a goldfish bowl?

I guess the question is whether it is the responsiblity of the LFS to qualify the ability of a customer to properly care for a critter. Just look on the posts here and you will get a good idea of how often someone makes a purchase of a critter and has no idea of its requirements. Admittedly, in a perfect world, an LFS employee should make a customer aware of any special requirements of a more difficult species. In reality, a lot of LFS employees are just as clueless as the customer. Unfortunately most LFS can't afford to always hire someone like Richard or Felipe, even if there was enough of them to go around. Sometimes they end up hiring a warm body whose main qualification seems to be that they show up for work on a semi-regular basis. How many experienced reefers do you know that will work for little more than minimum wage?

I will admit to having been that clueless customer in the past and some lifestock has died as a result of my ignorance. I like to think I know better now.

Gary

[scuba_steveo]

Gary I agree with you 100%. I just got a little mad that Wendy would give a store a bad rap when she was not involved in the transaction. Now if it was her experience and she asked questions about the fish and they said it would do fine in her 40 gallon tank, then post away.

[GaryP]

I think some very good LFS get caught in a stereotype. I'm not defending or accusing Wendy but can understand how a lot of people could feel that way. IMO something like a MI should be a special order item. That way the owner or manager would get invoved in the sale and be able to qualify the owner. That would be the most ethical way to handle it.

Let me give you another example. How many LFS (including most of my favorites) sell Gonipora? How many people do you knwo that have been able to keep them alive? I can probably count them on 2-3 fingers. Is this any different than a MI?

Gary

[JimD]

Yeah but Steve, shes allowed her opinion and freedom to express it, I know Wendy is very concerned about animals of all kinds and I admire her for her agressive persuite of her ojective. Sometimes peoples obsessions can be others annoyances. Regardless, she has the right to voice her opinion and you have the right to disagree. I dont think Aquatek intentionaly orders these fish, I may be wrong, but since it was there, at least it fell into the hands of someone who at least had a clue, giving the fish the best chance of survival.

[Jenn]

I 100% agree that these should be a special order fish. I have actually never seen one in a LFS and glad I haven't. Having only had him a few couple of days now, I can tell firsthand how delicate they are. Everything I have been reading is true. I would not have one if it would not have been for this paticular situation, but like to think I am trying my best to do what I can to give him a great life since he has to be in captivity.

On that note, does anyone know if RAW and UNTOASTED nori is a good suppliment for him???

Thanks,
Jenn

[scuba_steveo]

Jenn, I am very glad that you have him. You are doing a very good job.

Wendy, I did not mean to be rude and I do am a true animal lover.

IMO, I would not bite the hand that feeds you. Aquatek is IMO one of the best stores in Texas for advice, livestock and for sure for drygoods. I just wanted to defend them and protect their reputation.

[Jenn]

Oh yea, here's a quick pic. Notice the other spoiled brats - they thought it was feeding time just cause I was close to the tank.

[CD]

Aquatek is IMO one of the best stores in Texas for advice, livestock and for sure for drygoods. I just wanted to defend them and protect their reputation.


WOW! OK, well I go to Aquatek all the time. They are on the high end of the price scale on most items, but nonetheless, we've still spent plenty of money there because everybody we've talked to that works there seems to be knowledgable. *However*, seeing as they generally have a stellar reputation, I was shocked that they were offering this rare and delicate fish. No, I wasn't there during the sale, but by the way eleyan described the buying of the MI, it didn't sound like they offered up any warnings of how delicate this fish is. IMO LFSs should feel obligated to educate the prospective buyer of special care needs, and not just be worried about the sale (I totally agree with what GaryP had to say...qualify the new owner!). It doesn't take much time on the salesperson's part to determine how well educated a prospective buyer is, right?
Anyway...you don't know me very well, so I can see why you raised your hackles so quickly (whew, and you say *I'm* harsh? heheh). Seriously though, I DO love animals, and it is *all* of our obligations as reefkeepers to make sure that beautiful fish species like the MI are here for our children's children to see...can you kind of understand where I am coming from without my having to go into a much longer explanation? Can you understand that this fish could've just as easily gotten sold to someone who just that second decided they wanted a SW tank, and the MI be dead right now? Yes, I may be passionate on issues I care about, but I don't feel guilty about that passion in any shape, form or fashion. The way I look at it is if more people were as passionate about nature and animals as I am, there wouldn't be species on the brink of extinction...or dwindling rainforests...or (the list goes on).
All in all, I'm sorry if I offended you in some way Steve, but I won't apologise for being passionate about the conservation of these creatures. I wouldn't be true to myself if I did. I AM however, VERY happy that Jenn is the caretaker (you go, girl), and I know she will do her best with her new charge. ;)

Note: Thank you JimD & GaryP... :)

Wendy

[CD]

I just got a little mad that Wendy would give a store a bad rap when she was not involved in the transaction.


I just wanted to defend them and protect their reputation.

Steve,
I can understand your position here.
Yes, maybe Wendy's opinion was too strong due to her passion for the hobby.
Aquatek may not have any control over the stock that they receive so I don't believe they are at fault. Is it more humane to allow the fish to perish in the LFS? Of course not. It probably has a much better chance for survival in a fellow members tank- especially with the assistance and knowledge available through MAAST.
We don't have a problem with Aquatek and are not trying to tarnish their reputation in any way nor did Wendy actually give the store a bad rap.
Aquatek did in fact sell a moorish idol, therefore, Wendy's opinion fails to border on slander. Wendy simply stated her feelings about Aquatek having sold this fish- nothing more, nothing less.
Wendy never stated in private or public that people should not go there due to this behavior- at that point, we may be starting to border on a slanderous statement.
Wendy certainly didn't mean to offend anyone here with her statements and was simply voicing her feelings towards the situation.

We just wish for the idol to live a long, happy, healthy life.

Chris

[scuba_steveo]

As I said, I am sorry for being rude and snapping. Please forgive, I understand you point and it is a good one.

[CD]

Please forgive, I understand you point and it is a good one.


Hey - No problem! (and Thanks...I'm glad you understand:) )

Wendy

[CD]

http://saltaquarium.about.com/blpick101397idol.htm

Jenn - I found this link that has some information about feeding, (etc.) and thought you may want to check it out.
They do mention nori...I think they are referring to raw. Untoasted? Hmmmm. Got me on that one. Better ask
Larry :) BTW - Thanks for the pic...gorgeous!

Wendy

[Jenn]

Thanks so much for that Wendy. That is an awesome article! I want this one to get fat and round like that pic. Of course, that one is in the wild. I have quite a few sponges growing in my tank but have yet to see him pick at any or notice any gone. I would love to find somewhere that sells the type of sponge they enjoy. For now, I am going to try the raw, untoasted nori and some fresh squid and black mussels. I will let you know how that goes.
I appreciate any and all opinions and input on this issue.

Thanks,
Jenn

[CD]

Thanks so much for that Wendy. That is an awesome article!


Cool...glad you liked it :)
I'll keep looking for any info I can find that may be of assistance (if you would like).

Hope you're having a happy turkey day!

Wendy

[CD]

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/idolfaqs.htm

Ahhh. Found another site that has some good info...

Wendy

[SarahPSl]

FYI about Aquatek

I actually was interested in that same Idol from Aquatek and one of their salesmen did tell me that it would be better suited for a very large tank (200 - 300 gallon). Great fish!

[Jenn]

That I can definitely see. I already want to upgrade for him.

[RobertG]

Raw untoasted Nori, what is this. I went to the Hong Kong Market here in Austin. I picked up some roasted Nori. Never saw anything else. The fish love it! Is this good or bad?

The MI is a beautiful find. I understand the feelings here. I would get one if I saw it in the store, this would insure me of the health. Or atleast I could make a choice. I would not want to order one. So to qualify a buyer would be great. I'm sure Aquatek will get another one. I would give it a shot. We can get upset about it but what good is it going to do. I wish the guy the best.

Jenn, I'll take him. You dont want to drop the $ for the upgrade. Or is it just an excuse? :skeezy: I know both...

HAPPY THANSGIVING!

[Jenn]

You all know how it is....trying to pursuade for the upgrade. 8)

[Jenn]

Oh yea, found the nori online at an asian food store. We just came to the conclusion that maybe raw was better since it is only for our satisfaction. Anyone know if the raw is not a good choice???

[Jenn]

Sorry, just testing the avatar switch. What do you think Polkster13?
Oops, didn't realize it would change all of them at the same time.

[Tim Marvin]

To shed a little more light, sometimes these store don't order the fish. I have on occassion receive things I did not order, and what are you going to do with it? Sell it to someone that you hope will be able to care for it. What about when the LFS does a bulk coral order and they get goniopora and elegance corals with the order? These corals typically will not do well, but never the less they have them. Should they just let them die in the store tank that has constant water changes or let it go to someone with the hope that the stable tank may get lucky and keep one alive? Hard thing to deal with! Now, if a store is specifically ordering these creatures and selling them with out a care then there is definately a problem and we should boycott those stores. I don't beleive aquatek is that kind of store, and they will usually advise you of your purchase unless they know you, and don't think they need to school you on care.

[GaryP]

Good point Tim. Is it possible to specify what species you don't want in a bulk order? I have a similar question when I see a Galaxea in at an LFS. Do they warn them of the impact this species can have on an SPS tank?

I have a huge one in my tank and it takes a lot of room. One end of my tank is the "death zone." Nothing goes in that end of the tank besides the galaxea and a big frog spawn that can hold its own with the galaxea.

Gary

[Tim Marvin]

You can specify what you don't want, but once in a while you get tat also. They will usually give some type of credit if they make a mistake and you push the issue.

[Jenn]

Ok, update time. I want to thank Instar and Gary for your posts on here and the feeding CBB thread. I bought some black mussels today and followed your instructions and the MI loves it. He is noticibly getting fatter by the day and I'm not sure of the correct term, but the "streamer" on him is starting to show signs of new growth. This gives me a bit of hope to his survival. Thanks guys!!! ;)

[astrong]

I've mentioned many times I don't want nonphotosynthetic corals and difficult to keep fish, but I still receive them anyway. I don't know if its to pad my order, or just because so many people order Shark eggs they thought I would want one too. You can yell at these people everytime and three weeks later they show up again. It can be really frustrating.

[::pete::]

Thats great to hear Jenn, keep us posted.

[dan]

to me the MI is the most beautiful fish in the ocean. hands down. if i could i would have a doz. of them. but i know better now. i had one eight or nine years ago. it came from a tank where it was doing well for a year or so. i had him for about also a year. one evening after i fed him one of my girls came running and said there's somthing wrong with the MI. i ran to the tank to see him swimming in a circle with his nose upwards spinning like a top. he did this for about 30 sec. than i lost him. it was heart breaking that i had lost this beautiful fish. i can't do that again.

[Instar]

Very cool Jenn. I'll be happy if he does excellent for you. Sounds good so far.

[Jenn]

I agree Dan, I knew better before I found out he needed a home. I have read many articles, posts, etc... and 99% of them state the MI only living approximately 1 year in captivity. I have told myself this will probably be the case in my situation as well.

[Polkster13]

Hey Jenn,

The Avitar looks great. Good luck on keeping this fish and keep up the good work. Please provide additional updates with pictures!

I too will second what others have said as I have worked as an Aquatic manager in a LPS chain. There are many times when a Wholesaler will advertise pot-luck specials (sometimes just to clean out stock) and you don't know what is coming to you until the day it arrives. Also, they will mistake fish that look alike and send you something similar but not what you ordered. This has happened several times to me.

Finding reputable Wholesalers that know their product and meeting your stores expressed wishes are few and far between. I would be very suprized if any reputable dealer knowly ordered a MI. However, like others have said, if a Wholesaler suprizes you with one, what can you do except try and find a good home for it.

I am glad to hear that it has found a good home and that it is doing well. Hopefully what we learn from Jenn's experience will help others in the future. Hopefully some day we will know its needs as well as any other fish and more seasoned aquarists will be able to care for these beautiful creatures. Until then, I applaud Jenn for her efforts on the cutting edge. Someone has to be the first to successfully keep these creatures. If it wasn't for the likes of her and others, a lot of the corals that are in my aquarium right now wouldn't be there. It is thanks to these pioneers that have allowed me to be able to keep these creatures thriving in captivity.

Any fish can be kept in captivity IF its needs are met. That said, most of us cannot meet the needs of many of the fish that are in the sea and therefore we should not keep them. Those of us that can, should be allowed to provide the best home possible for these fish. Until they outlaw the capturing and exportation of these fish, then they will show up from time-to-time in LFS/LPS.

Sorry for the long rant.

[Jenn]

Thought I would give another update for those of you interested. The MI is still doing great and has gained noticible weight. He has a nice round belly and is constantly eating on something in the tank. He has also realized that to get some food, he has to be pushy like all the others. His diet is consisting of nori or seaweed selects for breakfast, pellets for lunch, and fresh for dinner - usually finely chopped black mussels with brine or mysis mixed in. I contribute a huge part of his health to the fact that he has others to school with. You can plainly see that this is an important factor to his survival.

[Polkster13]

Sweet. Keep up the great work and post some pics of this beauty when you can.

[CD]

Jenn - that is soooo wonderful to hear!
I wouldn't mind seeing some update pics myself. ;)

Wendy

[dan]

if your looking for a bigger tank jenn i have this 250 cube for sale. lots of swimming room. what other fish do you have with it?

[::pete::]

Jenn - that is soooo wonderful to hear!
I wouldn't mind seeing some update pics myself. ;)

Wendy

Ditto .... sounds great and Id like to see some pictures also. :D

[jrnannery]

Talk about awakening an old thread...whatever happened to the Idol? Does anyone know?

[Dominican]

Anyone know what happened with the MI?

[Mr Cob]

That would be awesome if it was still alive 4 years later in captivity!!!