Phantom Heniochus
Heniochus pleurotaenia
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 70 gallons |
| Max Size | 6 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Phantom Heniochus (Heniochus pleurotaenia) is a bannerfish/butterflyfish known for its crisp white body, dark mask and banding, and a tall dorsal “pennant” that gives it a strong silhouette in the water column. This species is found across the central Indo-Pacific and is often kept as a standout, black-and-white centerpiece fish.
What You’ll Observe:
- Patrols open water, then weaves through rockwork in smooth, looping passes
- Settles into a predictable route and becomes most visible around feeding time
- Often holds position in moderate flow, facing into the current
- In larger systems, may spend time near a preferred “home” area and return there between laps
Provide open swimming space with mature rockwork and a few shaded retreats so it can choose where to pause between patrols. Offer a mix of small meaty foods plus quality prepared options, spread across multiple feedings for steady conditioning. Does best with calm tankmates that allow it to settle in and feed without feeling rushed.
Does this species tend to “hover” in one spot or constantly cruise the tank?
Most keepers report a mix: steady cruising laps through open water, with short pauses near rockwork or in a favorite flow zone between laps.
How do hobbyists usually get a new Phantom Heniochus onto a wider diet?
A common approach is to start with highly accepted frozen foods, then gradually mix in more variety (mysis blends, chopped seafood, and quality pellets) once it’s eating reliably.
Is it normal for a bannerfish to investigate certain corals more than others?
Many reefkeepers describe exploratory pecking as part of normal foraging, with the most attention often going toward fleshy polyps and zoanthid-type colonies in some tanks.
Can you keep Phantom Heniochus alone, as a pair, or in a group?
Most hobbyists aim for a single specimen or a true pair; if adding more than one, introducing them together (and giving ample space) is commonly suggested to keep behavior more predictable.
How do you tell a Phantom Heniochus apart from similar “bannerfish” in stores?
Keepers frequently focus on the facial pattern and side markings, and also compare the overall “pennant” shape—asking the shop to confirm the scientific name helps avoid mix-ups.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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