Pennant Coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Heniochus acuminatus is a striking butterflyfish with a white body marked by two thick diagonal black bands running from the dorsal fin to the ventral region. The fish has a yellow pectoral fin base and a characteristic elongated dorsal filament that extends well above the body. A black spot appears behind the eye, and the tail is yellow.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied diet of high-quality frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped meaty foods, supplemented with quality flake or pellet foods. Offer fresh algae or spirulina-based foods 2-3 times per week to cover omnivorous needs.
Difficulty and care for the Pennant Coralfish
Heniochus acuminatus is moderately challenging, requiring stable water conditions, varied diet, and careful acclimation. While generally hardy once established, it can be prone to parasitic infections and requires consistent feeding to thrive.
Common health issues
Marine velvet, ich (white spot disease), bacterial infections, poor appetite during acclimation
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef, found in coral reef environments at depths from 5 to 60 meters.
Log Pennant Coralfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Pennant Coralfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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