ANIMAL SPECIES:Longfin Bannerfish, Heniochus acuminatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Adult Longfin Bannerfish have a long tapering dorsal filament. The body is white with two broad black bands. The soft dorsal and caudal fins are yellow.
Identification
Adult Longfin Bannerfish have a long tapering dorsal filament. The body is white with two broad black bands. The soft dorsal and caudal fins are yellow.
Size range
The species grows to 25 cm in length.Similar Species
The Schooling Bannerfish, Heniochus diphreutes, looks very similar, but can be distinguished by a more rounded profile under the head and a shorter snout. The second black band is located further forward on the anal fin and there is an additional dorsal fin spine (12 vs 11).Distribution
It occurs throughout the tropical Indo-West and Central Pacific.
In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia, around the tropical north, and south to the southern coast of New South Wales.
Habitat
The Longfin Bannerfish is usually found at depths from 2 m to 75 m, in sheltered coastal bays and coral reef waters.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
It eats zooplankton and bottom-living invertebrates.
Classification
- Species:
- acuminatus
- Genus:
- Heniochus
- Family:
- Chaetodontidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R., Steene, R. & M. Allen. 1998. A Guide to Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes. Odyssey Publishing/Tropical Reef Research. Pp. 250.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R & R.C. Steene. 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 507.
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A 17 mm Longfin Bannerfish, caught off Waianae, Hawaii View full size
Amanda Hay
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