Regarding its appearance, it presents a very long white dorsal fin and two black bars across the body. It has a small mouth and a prominent snout. On this a striking yellow mark as well as the background coloration of its sides. Its unique snout is used to constantly search the rocks for seaweed.
El Moorish idol fish needs an aquarium of more than 200 liters for each fish, since its permanent search for food requires a tank large enough to have room to swim. The ideal temperature is between 24 and 26º C.
Its difficult acclimatization to the aquarium will be mitigated in aquariums that have been operating for a long time, the more the better, since they are rich in algae and microorganisms. They are fish that require partial water changes and water in perfect condition since they are very sensitive to ammonia and variations in aquatic conditions.
The aquarium decoration should be made up of multiple rocks imitating a reef. The lighting should be powerful to be able to develop the blankets of algae on which it feeds.
Regarding their diet, although they are omnivores, the basis of the diet has to be made up of algae and coral sponges. This diet will be complemented with the contribution of foods rich in spirulina and different protein foods either in the form of shrimp, brine shrimp, krill or small pieces of white fish and squid. It will also accept freeze-dried food over time.