Black & White Heniochus Butterfly (Heniochus acuminatus) – Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Omnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Max Size: Up to 8 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide: Black & White Heniochus Butterfly (Heniochus acuminatus)

The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly, also known as Heniochus acuminatus, is a popular saltwater aquarium fish known for its striking black and white coloration. This species is relatively easy to care for and can be a great addition to a reef tank.

Habitat

The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits coral reefs and lagoons in small groups or pairs.

Reef Safe

The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly is reef-safe, as it does not bother corals or other invertebrates. However, caution should be exercised when keeping it with small ornamental shrimps or other delicate invertebrates.

Size

The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly can grow up to 8 inches long, making it a relatively small fish for a saltwater aquarium.

Temperament

This species is generally peaceful and can coexist with various other fish species. However, it may become territorial towards other butterflyfish or fish with similar body shapes.

Sexual Dimorphism

There are no noticeable differences in appearance between males and females of the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly in captivity is around 5 to 7 years, although with proper care, it can live longer.

Diet in Aquariums

The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly is an omnivorous species. The aquarium should be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods such as brine shrimp or mysis shrimp. It will also graze on algae and other small organisms in the tank.

Aquascaping Recommendations

When setting up the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly aquarium, provide plenty of hiding places using live rock or artificial structures. This species appreciates open swimming spaces and areas with moderate water flow.

Captive Bred Availability

The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly is occasionally available as captive-bred, although most specimens in the aquarium trade are wild-caught. Captive-bred individuals are generally hardier and better acclimated to aquarium conditions.

Compatibility with Tankmates

The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly is generally compatible with a wide range of peaceful fish species, as long as they are not overly aggressive or territorial. It can be kept with other butterflyfish, angelfish, gobies, and reef-safe fish species.

5 Recommended Tankmates:

1. Pajama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera) – Peaceful and colorful, they make great companions for the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly.
2. Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) – These iconic clownfish are known for their symbiotic relationship with anemones and can add a touch of vibrancy to the tank.
3. Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) – Another peaceful and beautiful species that can coexist well with the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly.
4. Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) – These small, colorful gobies are known for their darting behavior and can add movement to the aquarium.
5. Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus) – A hardy and peaceful goby species that can help sift and aerate the sandbed.

These tankmates are good choices because they have compatible temperaments, similar dietary requirements, and are unlikely to compete for territory.

Other Common Names

The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly may also be known by other common names such as Longfin Bannerfish or Pennant Butterflyfish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly be kept in a small tank?

A: While the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly can tolerate smaller tanks, providing a minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended to ensure ample swimming space and proper water quality.

Q: Is the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly prone to any specific diseases?

A: Like many saltwater fish, the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly can be susceptible to common marine fish diseases such as ich. Proper quarantine and acclimation procedures, as well as maintaining good water quality, can help prevent disease outbreaks.

Q: Can the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly be kept with aggressive fish?

A: It is generally not recommended to keep the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly with aggressive or highly territorial fish, as it may become stressed or injured. It is best to choose tankmates with compatible temperaments.

Q: How often should the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly be fed?

A: The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly should be fed in small amounts multiple times a day. Aim for 2-3 feedings per day, providing a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet.

Q: Can the Black & White Heniochus Butterfly be kept in a reef tank?

A: The Black & White Heniochus Butterfly is reef-safe and can be kept in a reef tank. However, caution should be exercised when keeping it with small ornamental shrimps or other delicate invertebrates.