Common name: Masked bannerfish

General information

The Masked Bannerfish, Heniochus monoceros, is a striking marine fish known for its elegant white body adorned with two broad black stripes and a distinctive protruding horn above its eyes. This horn is the origin of its other common name, the Horned Bannerfish. It is a member of the butterflyfish family, Chaetodontidae, and is often admired for its graceful swimming style and unique appearance.

While not as commonly kept as some other butterflyfish species, the Masked Bannerfish can be a captivating addition to larger fish-only or mixed reef aquariums. It is important to note that this species can reach up to 20 centimeters in length and requires ample swimming space.

Care

The Masked Bannerfish is a moderately challenging species to keep in captivity. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of room to swim and stable water conditions. They are not considered reef safe, as they may nip at corals and sessile invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other finely chopped seafood, is essential for their health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Masked Bannerfish are pelagic spawners, releasing their eggs into the water column where fertilization occurs. The eggs are then left to drift with the currents. Breeding this species in captivity is quite challenging and not commonly achieved by hobbyists.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Masked Bannerfish includes lagoons and outer reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically found at depths ranging from 2 to 75 meters, often swimming in pairs or small groups. Their geographical distribution spans from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island, and throughout Micronesia.