{"product_id":"black-white-heniochus-butterflyfish-heniochus-acuminatus","title":"Black \u0026 White Heniochus Butterflyfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Black \u0026amp; White Heniochus Butterflyfish, \u003cem\u003eHeniochus acuminatus\u003c\/em\u003e, also known as the Longfin Bannerfish or Pennant Coralfish, is an elegant saltwater fish recognized by its dramatic black-and-white banding and exceptionally long, flowing dorsal filament. Bright yellow coloration across the tail and rear fins adds vivid contrast, while the tall, laterally compressed body creates the graceful silhouette that often draws comparisons to the Moorish Idol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to a broad Indo-Pacific range extending from East Africa and the Persian Gulf through the Maldives, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, Micronesia, and French Polynesia, this species inhabits protected lagoons, channels, and outer reef slopes. Juveniles are often encountered alone, while adults commonly occur in pairs and spend much of their time cruising near reef structure in search of plankton and small invertebrate foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 10 inches as an adult, the Black \u0026amp; White Heniochus is an active but generally peaceful marine aquarium fish that can make an impressive centerpiece in a spacious fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium. It is typically adaptable once established and feeding well, but its tendency to investigate corals and other sessile invertebrates prevents it from being considered reliably reef safe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Easy to Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Omnivore \/ Planktivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: No\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-Pacific\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eHeniochus acuminatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a spacious marine aquarium with a combination of open swimming room and substantial rockwork. Caves, overhangs, and sheltered areas allow the fish to retreat when desired, while broad open sections accommodate its active cruising behavior and long dorsal filament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause adults can approach 10 inches and have a tall body profile, generous horizontal swimming space is important. Avoid overly dense aquascaping or narrow passages that could restrict movement or repeatedly contact the elongated dorsal fin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, efficient filtration, and stable water quality are recommended. Established live rock provides additional browsing opportunities and can help newly introduced specimens settle more comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium cover is advisable, particularly during acclimation when sudden movements may occur if the fish becomes startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black \u0026amp; White Heniochus naturally feeds heavily on zooplankton along with small benthic invertebrates and other edible material found around reef habitats. Juveniles may also occasionally clean parasites from larger fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, offer a varied selection of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, krill, and quality frozen marine blends. Plankton-based preparations and frozen foods designed for butterflyfish are excellent additions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-quality marine pellets and omnivore preparations can also be offered once the fish is accepting prepared foods consistently. A varied diet is preferable to relying heavily on a single food source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed two to three smaller meals per day when practical, particularly for newly acclimated specimens that benefit from frequent feeding opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black \u0026amp; White Heniochus Butterflyfish is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and can coexist successfully with many community species. Suitable tankmates include tangs, rabbitfish, peaceful wrasses, clownfish, larger gobies, and appropriately compatible angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults naturally occur in pairs, and this species can sometimes be maintained with additional Heniochus in sufficiently large aquariums. However, adequate swimming room and careful observation are important, particularly when introducing multiple specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive tankmates that may damage the long dorsal filament or repeatedly prevent the butterflyfish from feeding. Very territorial species should be introduced with caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black \u0026amp; White Heniochus Butterflyfish is not considered reliably reef safe. Although plankton forms an important part of its natural diet, individuals may also pick at coral polyps and other sessile reef organisms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft corals, stony corals, zoanthids, tubeworms, and other exposed invertebrates may be investigated or nipped. Individual behavior varies, but frequent feeding does not guarantee that a specimen will leave corals untouched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor predictable long-term care, this species is best maintained in a fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium rather than a reef display where protecting corals and sessile invertebrates is a priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable salinity, excellent oxygenation, and consistently good water quality are more important than maintaining an exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge, tall-bodied fish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults can approach 10 inches and require generous swimming room for long-term housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong dorsal filament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide open pathways and avoid overly restrictive rockwork that may damage the extended dorsal fin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot reliably reef safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corals and other sessile invertebrates may be nipped or consumed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent varied feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple small meals of planktonic and marine-based foods help maintain good body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSimilar-species identification:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHeniochus acuminatus\u003c\/em\u003e closely resembles the Schooling Bannerfish, \u003cem\u003eHeniochus diphreutes\u003c\/em\u003e, but the two species differ in body proportions, behavior, and reef compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T","offer_id":52451764699434,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniT","price":41.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":52451764732202,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniS","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52451764764970,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniSM","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52451764797738,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniM","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52451764830506,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniML","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52451764863274,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniL","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52451764896042,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniX","price":206.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52451764928810,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniXX","price":269.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52451764961578,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniSH","price":380.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"J","offer_id":52451764994346,"sku":"BUTTERxHeniJUM","price":569.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/BlkWhiteHeniochus_be5b131f-178c-4443-aee3-b04b7ce6e498.png?v=1788288726","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/black-white-heniochus-butterflyfish-heniochus-acuminatus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}