Moorish Idol - Zanclus cornutus
Moorish Idol - Zanclus cornutus is the sole extant representative of the family Zanclidae (from the Greek ζαγκίος, zagkios, "oblique").
They are sometimes confused with Longfin Bannerfish - Heniochus acuminatus but the mouth easily tells them apart.
The Moorish idol , is a marine fish species, the sole extant representative of the family Zanclidae in order Perciformes. A common inhabitant of tropical to subtropical reefs and lagoons, the Moorish idol is notable for its wide distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific. A number of butterflyfishes closely resemble the Moorish idol. It is closely related to, if not a direct descendant of, the extinct ''Eozanclus brevirostris'', from the Middle Eocene of Monte Bolca.
Similar species: Butterflyfishes, Angelfishes
By Albert Kang
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Uploaded Aug 12, 2016. Captured Jan 31, 2016 12:54 in Mabini Circumferential Rd, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines.
