False Moorish Idol
Heniochus diphreutes
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 5–210 m
- Max size: 21 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
Easily mistaken for the true Moorish idol, this species carries a long trailing dorsal filament and a sharp snout. Adults form large schools well above outer reef slopes to feed on plankton, while juveniles, and sometimes adults, pick parasites from other fish as cleaners.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Acanthuriformes › Chaetodontidae › Heniochus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 218763.
FAQ
- How deep does the False Moorish Idol live?
- The False Moorish Idol (Heniochus diphreutes) is typically found at 5–210 m.
- Is the False Moorish Idol dangerous to divers?
- The False Moorish Idol is harmless to divers.
- How big does the False Moorish Idol get?
- The False Moorish Idol grows to about 21 cm.