
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 Jun 17, 2017. Captured Mar 30, 2015 05:37 in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica.