What kind of juvenile?

Hi all, spotted this in Raja Ampat, anyone seen this one before? Im guessing it could be a juvenile of some sort but Ive scoured the Fish ID reference books with no positive ID as yet.

[img]http://gavinee.zenfolio.com/img/s8/v76/p1387663778-3.jpg[/img]

Hi gee13,

I'd guess that its a juvenile Moorish Idol.

Hope that helps!

Lee

Hey Lee thanks, this was a possibility , strange thing is that it was the size of a full grown moorish idol, possibly larger unless they change coloration late?

I thought that the Moorish Idols got the coloration relatively early.

However, it really looks like a Moorish Idol from the shape.

You may have finally found the missing family member of the Moorish Idol(s)

/Erik

Maybe an albino version. The other thing to mote is that this was on a night dive, most reef fish and moorish idols are generally out of sight during nights. This fella was happily bumbling about looking for food.

Maybe just been inked by an octopus

When I saw the picture, as everyone else, I thought of a Moorish Idol.

I have done a lot of dives in Indonesia and have never seen a juvenile moorish idol and also I could not find any pictures of a juvenile moorish idol on google, so it could very well be one.

You mention that it was a night-dive, what I have noticed with the adult moorish idols at night is that they change their coloration to grey/black/white. If the night-dive was early (before 20.30'ish) the moorish idols would still be out and about.

Either way, it looks way cool, like a moorish idol gone batman!

Hope someone comes up with a positive ID on this one!

-Morten

Time was around 1930, and rather curious behaviour such as the juvenile rock grabbing wrasse (resembling somewhat drunken stumble whilst hunting) it was all alone. Also dont the juvenile moorish idols already have their yellow/white/black stripes prominent?

Ive also done tons of night dives in Indo but only first time seeing this particular one.