Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish - Heniochus acuminatus

Heniochus Butterflyfish (Heniochus acuminatus)

The Heniochus Butterflyfish (Heniochus acuminatus), commonly referred to as the Longfin Bannerfish or “Poor Man’s Moorish Idol,” is a popular and visually striking marine fish known for its dramatic black and white stripes and elongated dorsal fin. Its graceful appearance and peaceful temperament make it a sought-after addition to fish-only aquariums.

Description:

• Common Name: Heniochus Butterflyfish, Longfin Bannerfish

• Scientific Name: Heniochus acuminatus

• Family: Chaetodontidae

• Size: Up to 9 inches (23 cm) in length

• Color: Black and white stripes with a yellow-tinted dorsal and caudal fin. It has a long, flowing dorsal fin that adds to its banner-like appearance.

Native Region:

Heniochus Butterflyfish are native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and islands across the Pacific Ocean. They are commonly found around coral reefs, lagoons, and deeper reef slopes, often swimming in pairs or small groups.

Aquarium Setup:

• Tank Size: Minimum of 125 gallons (475 liters) to provide ample swimming space for adult specimens.

• Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)

• pH: 8.1-8.4

• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity

• Diet: Omnivorous; in the wild, Heniochus Butterflyfish feed on plankton, small invertebrates, and coral polyps. In captivity, they will accept a diet of high-quality marine pellets, frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood. They benefit from a varied diet to maintain good health.

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Temperament: Peaceful and generally non-aggressive, making them suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.

• Lifespan: 5-10 years with proper care.

Behavior:

Heniochus Butterflyfish are peaceful and active swimmers. They prefer to live in pairs or small groups and are well-suited for larger community tanks. However, they can become stressed in smaller aquariums or in the presence of overly aggressive tank mates. They are social fish that enjoy open water to swim and explore but also require hiding spaces to feel secure.

Additional Tips:

• Tank Mates: Compatible with a variety of peaceful fish, including other butterflyfish, tangs, and angelfish. Avoid housing them with aggressive species or fish that may outcompete them for food.

• Reef Compatibility: While they are not typically reef-safe, they may nibble on coral polyps and small invertebrates. It is recommended to keep them in a fish-only tank or a carefully monitored reef setup.

• Feeding: Heniochus Butterflyfish should be fed multiple small meals per day to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.