Moorish Idol

Moorish Idol

Watercolor, Pen and Ink on Arches 140lb. Hot Press

Matted in a 5 x 7'' Ivory Matt

$45

Zanclus cornutus

This fish is named after the Moors of Africa, who supposedly believed this fish to be a conveyor of happiness.  The Genus name for this fish, Zanclus, comes from the Greek word zanclon, which means “sickle,” and refers to the sickle-shaped dorsal fin.  The Hawaiian name for this fish is Kihikihi, meaning “curves”, “corners”, angular”, and “zigzag”, which all may refer to the color patterns on the fish.  The Moorish Idol measures up to nine inches (23 cm) and feeds on sponges.