Schooling Bannerfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
If well fed, this butterflyfish can be kept successfully in systems housing corals and other invertebrates. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This one of the more suitable butterflyfishes for the reef aquarium. It is less likely to bother invertebrates, but in order to maintain its health, it should be fed at least twice a day. Underfed individuals are more likely to pick at corals. It has been observed to pick at the dying tissue of large-polyped stony corals.
Family: Chaetodontidae
Other common name(s):
- False Moorish Idol
- Schooling Coachman
Native range:
Habitat: Occurs primarily along outer reef slopes, in current channels. Juveniles in aggregations around isolated patch reefs, adults in large schools well above the bottom.
Maximum length: 18 cm (7 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Feed meaty foods, like finely chopped seafood, mysid shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen preparations. Feed several times a day.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
This species can be kept in groups if all individuals are added to the tank at the same time.
[edit] Special Care
Provide this species with plenty of swimming room.
[edit] Notes
Do not mistake this for the very similar Threadfin Bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus), which will eat your corals. The safe species has a less protruding snout, a more rounded breast and, most tellingly, the second black band ends at the tip of the anal fin. In H. acuminatus, which you do not want, the anal fin tip is white.
| Common name | Schooling Bannerfish +, False Moorish Idol +, and Schooling Coachman + |
| Family | Chaetodontidae + |
| Genus | Heniochus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 7 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 100 gal + |
| Native range | Red Sea +, South Africa +, Australia +, and Hawaii + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | diphreutes + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |