Longfin Bannerfish – Heniochus acuminatus – Medium

The Longfin Bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus) has two wide, forward sloping black bands across its white body. The rear parts of the dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins are yellow while the pelvic fins are black. The front ray of the dorsal fin is extended like a long banner. Several other Heniochus species have a very similar coloration with small variations. Among these variations, H. acuminatus can be identified by its white face and mouth and the white patch between the yellow area on the rear and the last black stripe.

Butterflyfish consist of a large number of fish found in the aquarium trade from the Chaetodon, Chelmon, Forcipiger, and Heniochus genuses, among others from the family Chaetodontidae. The family ranges in length from 3 inches up to close to 12 inches in length. Butterflies are usually roughly oval in body shape but longer fins make some appear elliptical or diamond-shaped. They resemble and are sometimes confused with angelfish (family Pomacentridae) but angelfish have a cheekspine that is not found in butterflies.

Butterflies are generally community fish in nature. Though some more pugnatious species may terrorize smaller or more docile fish, most can be kept with a wide range of community tankmates. Most butterfly species are not \