White Banner Butterflyfish (Heniochus acuminatus)

The White Banner Butterflyfish, also known as the Longfin Bannerfish, is one of the most striking and recognizable fish in the marine hobby. Its bold pattern of white and black bands contrasted with bright yellow fins, combined with a wonderful long extension to its dorsal fin, makes it a real eye-catcher. Often called the "Poor Man's Moorish Idol" for its similar silhouette and colouring, the Heniochus has one major advantage over that notoriously difficult species: it actually thrives in captivity. This is a graceful, active swimmer that adds dramatic movement and serious visual presence to any large FOWLR system.

Why we love it

• One of the most dramatic silhouettes in the hobby with its flowing white banner fin
• Elegant, peaceful temperament that fits well into community tanks
• Hardy and adaptable compared to most butterflyfish, eats readily once settled
• Juveniles have been observed picking parasites off other fish, adding a cleaner-like dynamic in larger systems
• Can be kept in small groups when introduced together, rare among butterflies

Suggested parameters

• Temperature: 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F)
• Salinity: 1.024 to 1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1 to 8.4
• Alkalinity: 8 to 10 dKH
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: Under 20 ppm (stable, mature water strongly preferred)

Care and temperament

• Difficulty: Moderate (hardy for a butterfly, but sensitive to water quality and acclimation stress)
• Temperament: Peaceful toward most fish; may become aggressive toward other butterflyfish with similar patterns or colouration, particularly in smaller tanks
• Reef safe: No (will nip at and eat soft corals, stony polyps, ornamental shrimp, tubeworms, and anemones)
• Minimum tank size: 125 gallons; larger if keeping a pair or small group

Diet

Heniochus acuminatus is an omnivore that accepts a wide variety of foods, making it one of the easier butterflies to feed.

• Frozen mysis shrimp (staple)
• Vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp
• Spirulina, nori, seaweed, and algae-based foods alongside meaty offerings
• Quality marine pellets and flake foods are usually accepted
• Soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements is encouraged, as butterflyfish have high metabolisms
• Feed 2 to 3 times per day

Compatibility and tankmates

• Excellent community fish; pairs well with tangs, angelfish, larger wrasses, and similarly peaceful species
• Can be kept in small schools or pairs; if keeping multiples, introduce all individuals at the same time
• Avoid aggressive or highly territorial tankmates that may stress this peaceful fish
• Not suitable for reef tanks with prized inverts or corals
• A tight-fitting lid is recommended as these active swimmers can jump

Health and acclimation notes

Diseases that butterflyfish are susceptible to include marine ich, marine velvet, Uronema marinum, and lymphocystis. They are not overly sensitive to copper medications and can be treated successfully. Bannerfish are also prone to lateral line disease, which can quickly lead to death. The best defence is to source a healthy specimen that has been at the dealer for at least a few days, ideally two to three weeks, before purchase. Slow drip acclimation is strongly recommended, and quarantine before introduction to a display system is encouraged for all butterflies.

What you are buying

• You will receive: 1 White Banner Butterflyfish (Heniochus acuminatus)
• Colour, fin length, and size can vary between individuals; the banner fin elongates further as the fish matures

Slow acclimation is strongly recommended, and quarantine is encouraged before adding to your display.