Please PAUSE the "How to Draw a Fish (Moorish Idol)" video after each step to draw at your own pace.

Time-Lapse (Speed Drawing) video:

Written step-by-step video tutorial:

For the first few steps, don't press down too hard with your pencil. Use light, smooth strokes to begin.

Step 1: Draw a big circle as a guide for the main part of the Moorish idol's body. First make four small marks to indicate its height and width. Then connect the marks using curved lines. Sketch lightly at first so that it's easy to erase if you make mistake. If you're struggling drawing the circle, trace the outer rim of a glass, a bowl or any other object with a circular edge. For a more detailed guide on the different ways to draw a circle, check out this tutorial: Four simple ways to draw a circle.

Step 2: Draw a vertical line and a horizontal line intersecting across the middle of the circle. These are construction lines that will help you place the Moorish idol's features later.

Step 3: On the left side of the circle, draw the guide for the Moorish idol's mouth by first making a small mark. Connect the mark to the circle using curved lines to form a small arc. Use the horizontal line as a guide.

Step 4: For the guide for the fish's first fin, draw a short line that starts at the horizontal guide on the left and meets the vertical guide at the top. Then bend the line back down and angle it back up to form a triangle-like shape.

Step 5: At the top of the circle, draw a long, sloping line as a guide for the Moorish idol's dorsal fin. Draw a vertical line on the right side to finish up the guide for the dorsal fin.