The Moorish Idol is also commonly known in Hawaii as "Kihikihi" which means "curves", "corners," or "zigzags," and refers to its shape and color pattern. It is the only member of the family Zanclidae, and a very close relative of the Tangs or Surgeonfish. One of the most widespread fish, it can be found throughout the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and all of the tropical Pacific. Wild specimens can attain a length of 7 inches.

Moorish idols prefer flat reefs with shallow waters. This fish may be found at depths from 3 cm. to 590 ft., in both murky and clear conditions. Their range includes East Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Ducie Islands; Hawaii, southern Japan, and all of Micronesia; they are also found from the southern Gulf of California south to Peru.

The Moorish Idol tends to be very peaceful but it is also difficult to feed.It has a varied diet of meaty items, mysis shrimp, Spirulina, and algae.Sponges, coral polyps, tunicates, and other benthic invertebrates constitute the bulk of the Moorish idol's diet.

With distinctively compressed and disk-like bodies, Moorish idols stand out in contrasting bands of black, white, and yellow which is what makes them so attractive. The fish have relatively small fins, except for the dorsal fin, whose six or seven spines are dramatically elongated to form a trailing, sickle-shaped crest called the philomantis extension. Moorish idols have small terminal mouths at the end of long, tubular snouts; many long bristle-like teeth line the mouth.

The eyes are set high on the fish's deeply keeled body; in adults, perceptible bumps are located above each. The anal fin may have two or three spines. Moorish idols reach a maximum length of 23 cm. The sickle-like dorsal spines shorten with age.

Often seen alone, Moorish idols also form pairs or occasionally small schools, especially as juveniles. They are diurnal fish, sticking to the bottom of the reef at night, adopting a drab coloration.