Common name: Longfin bannerfish

Scientific name: Heniochus acuminatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Pennant coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus).longfin bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus) hovering near the rock more soft coral background yellow color,Andaman Sea , Thailand
Side view of a Pennant Coralfish, Heniochus acuminatusPennant coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus).

General information

The Pennant Coral Fish, also known as the Longfin Bannerfish or Heniochus acuminatus, is a striking marine fish that is popular among aquarists for its elegant appearance. It is characterized by its white body with two broad black vertical bands and a long, white, pennant-like dorsal fin. This species is often confused with the Moorish Idol, but can be distinguished by its longer snout and the shape of its dorsal fin.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
25 cm (10″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prone to ich, needs varied diet
Diet
Omnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, algae
Social
Pair Can be kept in pairs or small groups
Reefsafe
No May nip at corals and clams
Aggression
Semi aggresive May be territorial, especially in pairs
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Butterflyfish
    Chaetodontidae
  6. Genus
    Bannerfish
    Heniochus
  7. Species
    Longfin bannerfish
    Heniochus acuminatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
  8. Synonyms
    Chaetodon acuminatus Linnaeus, 1758
    Chaetodon bifasciatus Shaw, 1803
    Chaetodon macrolepidotus Linnaeus, 1758
    Chaetodon mycteryzans Gronow, 1854
    Heniochus macrolepidotus (Linnaeus, 1758)
    Taurichthys macrolepidotus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Care

Heniochus acuminatus requires a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and stable water conditions. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind, so it's best to keep them singly or in a mated pair. They thrive on a varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and marine flakes or pellets. Care should be taken to ensure a well-rounded diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Reproduction

In the wild, Longfin Bannerfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The larvae are planktonic, drifting in the currents until they develop into juveniles. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and not commonly done by hobbyists.

Habitat

Heniochus acuminatus is found in coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer areas with strong water movement and are often observed in pairs or small groups. In the wild, they can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 75 meters.

Geographical distribution includes the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe and Rapa islands, and throughout Micronesia.