Longfin Bannerfish

Heniochus acuminatus looks almost identical to Heniochus diphreutes, which also has a page on the site, and the two are often confused in the trade. The most reliable difference is the number of spines in the dorsal fin: acuminatus usually has 11 spines, diphreutes 12. The snout of acuminatus is slightly longer and more pointed, and the rear black band on its anal fin does not reach the tip of the fin. This difference matters to the aquarist: diphreutes is a reef-friendly species that picks plankton in schools, while acuminatus lives mostly alone or in pairs and is more inclined to nip corals. Specimens are wild-collected.

• At least 500 liters and 150 cm in length; a deep aquarium for its tall fins.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Plenty of live rock and open swimming space; quarantine is recommended.
• Reef-safe with caution: It may nip tube worms, LPS and soft corals and zoanthids; it causes fewer problems in SPS-dominated reefs.

Omnivorous; in the wild it picks plankton. Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, granules containing spirulina and dried seaweed; offer 2–3 times a day.

Peaceful and calm. Juveniles sometimes clean parasites off other fish. Adults form pairs; two unpaired individuals may chase each other.

Good companions: Tangs, large and Genicanthus angelfish, other butterflyfish, foxface, wrasses.

Avoid: Fin-nipping triggerfish and large hogfish, lionfish, reefs with a valuable LPS collection.