Is it bad to buy a Moorish Idol?

[Moonrs]

Well, although I don't enjoy the bashing, I earned it. I honestly almost never "impulse" buy anything, especially something that's going into my tank. I've got numerous resources at home that I usually use to research potential purchases. I've been in this hobby for almost 3 years, the last two in saltwater. For some reason, I left my brain at home the other day when I went to the lfs. I am not the type to indescriminately buy whatever looks nice. I have spent too much money on this hobby to not care what goes into my tank. This is one mistake that I will not repeat again. Thanks again for everyone's help.

[Instar]

Thanks Moonrs for not being offended. This group of MAAST folks is a collection of reef keepers comprised of very experienced PHD's, engineers, chemists, long term hobbieists of all professions and marine professionals in Reef Keeping. I hope many read this and realize that bug for these incredibly beautiful creatures has bitten us all. Just put the thing on hold for 24 hours and go home, post on here and wait a little while. This applies equally to both members and non-members. A wealth of information is available and will come your way when asked for in advance. The Department of the Interior has been trying for a long time to outlaw marine fish and the list they had was extensive. They would be banned in the U.S. if the efforts are ever successful. Dealers and situations like this give fuel to their cause. You normally do good work, so please don't be discouraged.

[JimD]

And for yor pennance you must read this http://www.motherjones.com/news/spec...ts/coral_reef/ and report back with an opinion. lol,,, Actually, if anyones interested in the alarming state of the worlds coral reefs, this is a must read.

[GaryP]

My real issue is with an LFS ordering Idols. They should know better.

You might want to consider a Heniochus. I admit I am no expert on the species, but what I do know of them is that they look very similar to an Idol and are much hardier. Worth doing some research on, anyway.

Gary

[Moonrs]

you know what? Ironically enough, I was looking at the Heniochus' in the store, actually tried to buy one, but couldn't because of a problem with my credit card. I went back the next day to get the heniochus, but changed my mind at the last minute and bought the idol. What an idiot! Hmmmm...

[BA]

what's the update w/ this fish??eating good???

[JimD]

Read the 9th post down from the top...

[BA]

oh wow, pretty bad, i didn't read the rest of the forum, just wanted to see how it was doing...well to bad another number to the bad living record of the moorish idol

[cvonseggern]

I'm consistently a little disappointed with the stocking practices at Alamo. I frequently see Moorish Idols, blue ribbon eels, and other critters that just don't make it in most hobbyists' tanks. I think they need to take a hard look at the viability of their business practices in the long term, especially given that reefs are so badly pressured these days.