Schooling Bannerfish (Heniochus diphreutes) Care Guide
Heniochus diphreutes is an Indo-Pacific bannerfish with a tall dorsal filament and bold black bars, a planktivorous schooling species often kept in reef aquaria.
Overview
Heniochus diphreutes is a marine fish of the family Chaetodontidae described by Jordan in 1903. It has a white body with two large black diagonal bands, yellow dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins beyond the second band, and a tall pennant-like dorsal filament. It is a planktivorous schooling species and one of the more reef-tolerant members of the family.
Taxonomy
- Family: Chaetodontidae
- Genus: Heniochus
- Scientific name: Heniochus diphreutes Jordan, 1903
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and South Africa to Indonesia, Japan, Australia and Hawaii. It inhabits outer reef slopes and current channels, typically at 5 to 30 m and exceptionally to 210 m; juveniles aggregate around patch reefs while adults form large schools well above the bottom.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °dKH
- Adult size: 17-21 cm (max 21 cm TL)
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
Heniochus diphreutes is planktivorous, feeding on zooplankton in open water. Both juveniles and adults can act as cleaner fish, removing parasites from other fishes. Because it does not graze corals it is generally considered reef-compatible.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and mid-water swimming, living in large groups in the wild and best kept in a shoal. Suitable companions include tangs, wrasses and other large peaceful fish; aggressive triggerfish should be avoided.
Breeding
Heniochus diphreutes is oviparous and forms pairs to breed. Captive breeding is not commonly achieved.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009). It is harvested for the aquarium trade.