Pennant Coralfish (Heniochus Acuminatus)

Species Name : Heniochus Acuminatus

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, White, Yellow

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : No

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 8½»

Origin : Sri Lanka

Family : Chaetodontidae

Minimum Tank Size : 125 gallons

The Pennant Coralfish (Heniochus Acuminatus), also known as the Longfin Bannerfish, Reef Bannerfish or Coachman, is a species of fish of the family Chaetodontidae, native to the Indo-Pacific area.

The Pennant Coralfish is a small-sized fish that can reach a maximum length of 25 cm. Its body is compressed laterally, the first rays of its dorsal fin stretch in a long white filament. The background color of its body is white with two large black diagonal bands. Beyond the second black stripe, the dorsal and the caudal fins are yellow. The pectoral fins are also yellow. The head is white, the eyes are black and linked together by a black band. The snout, spotted with black, is a bit stretched with a small terminal protractile mouth. When swimming, the elongated white dorsal filament moves like a banner in the wind. 

Heniochus Acuminatus can live in a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with other peaceful fish and other fish of the same species, as well as plenty of live rock for grazing and shelter.

It is not shy and will animate your aquarium all day. They are quite passive and rarely bother tank mates. Watch out for cohabitation with species likely to attack its long dorsal fin (triggerfish, wrasses, puffer fish). In general, associate with it fairly calm fish. Also beware of the association with Diodon  which it tends to harass because it takes their small black spots for parasites. Finally, cohabitation with corals and molluscs is not possible because they are an integral part of their diet.

There are no distinguishing traits between the males and females of this species. These fish rarely breed in captivity.

Longfins are omnivorous. They are primarily zooplankton feeders in their natural habitat. They generally acclimate quickly to aquarium foods. They will readily accept both flake food and pellets. As with all marines species a varied diet will help avoid nutritional deficiencies and maintain overall fit and vigor. Frozen or freeze died preparations for marine omnivores is a good start. A good supply of well established living rocks and dried algae sheets will help to round out their diets.

Size: 1-1/2" to 4"