The Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus), while closely related to the surgeonfish, lacks the blades near the base of the tail, and is thus the only member of its own family, the Zanclidae. While the Moorish Idol is shown here swimming near the ubiquitous lobe coral (Porites lobata), its primary food is sponges. The Moorish Idol�s beauty has led many people to try to keep them in an aquarium, but they do not do well.

This one was photographed about 45 feet of water off the south Kohala Coast near Puako Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii.