Heniochus monoceros

Datasheet

General Description

The Masked Bannerfish, also known as Heniochus monoceros, is a species recognized for its distinctive long dorsal fin, earning it the name "Bannerfish." Among the species of Butterflyfish, H. monoceros is considered one of the easier ones to keep, making it a desirable choice for aquarists. This fish is primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, with habitats extending from southern Japan to New South Wales and Tonga.

Aquarium Suitability

The Masked Bannerfish is generally suitable for aquariums with proper care. It is crucial to provide ample space for swimming as these fish enjoy swimming, and they need good hiding spots like live rocks for security. Additionally, they may require frequent feeding multiple times a day, especially when first introduced to the tank.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species falls under the category of Chaetodontidae - Heniochus and boasts an average hardiness level. Masked Bannerfish acclimate better as juveniles, and it is considered a docile fish requiring caution when housed with more aggressive tank mates. With a minimum tank size requirement of 600 liters, they need a varied diet consisting of invertebrates, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. It's essential to ensure they are free from parasites or infections when obtaining them.

Reef Suitability

The Masked Bannerfish is not considered reef safe, as it can pose a threat by nibbling at clams, including Tridacna species, and feeding on tubeworms. Their diet primarily includes large polyp stone coral (LPS) and soft coral, making them incompatible with reef environments.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Masked Bannerfish, it is crucial to provide ample swimming space and hiding places like live rocks. The tank should have stable water conditions with a pH ranging from 8.1 to 8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.

Behaviour

Masked Bannerfish are known for their shy and docile nature, usually peaceful around other fish. However, caution is advised when keeping similar species together unless they are a mated pair. They may be challenging to acclimatize and feed initially, making it essential to ensure they are healthy when introduced to the tank.

Feeding and Diet

These fish require a diet that includes live zooplankton or live mussels with crushed shells to mimic their natural feeding behavior. They must have a varied diet that comprises invertebrates, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. Offering them their natural food sources, such as live SPS or LPS corals, may be necessary for specialized species.

Dimorphism

There is no information provided on dimorphism or captive reproduction for the Masked Bannerfish in the dataset.

Habitat and Distribution

Masked Bannerfish are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting waters from East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, and spanning areas from southern Japan to New South Wales and Tonga. Their natural habitats include coral reefs where they feed on large polyp stone coral (LPS) and soft coral species.