Schooling Bannerfish Diphreutes Butterfly
Heniochus diphreutes
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2 - 3" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $250.99.$131.99Current price is: $131.99. | Email me |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
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 | Planktivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 120 gallons |
| Max Size | 8 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Schooling Bannerfish (Heniochus diphreutes) is a black-and-white bannerfish with yellow highlights and a long, trailing dorsal filament, often called a “false Moorish idol” because of its similar silhouette. In aquariums it tends to stay in the open water column and looks best when it can cruise with plenty of swimming room.
What You’ll Observe:
- Active midwater swimming, often making repeated loops along the front of the aquarium
- Quick “snatching” feeding behavior as it picks small foods out of the water column
- Calm interactions with other non-territorial fish, especially when added early in the stocking plan
- If kept in multiples introduced together, individuals may travel in a loose group rather than staying fully separated
To succeed with this species, provide open swimming lanes with rockwork kept to the sides/back so it can move comfortably. Offer small meaty foods (like finely sized frozen items) and quality pellets or flakes in multiple small feedings so it can feed naturally in the water column. It does best with peaceful tankmates that don’t crowd it at mealtime.
How do I tell Heniochus diphreutes from the similar-looking Heniochus acuminatus?
Look closely at the rear black band and the anal fin area—many hobbyists use fin/band placement and the overall “smaller mouth” look as quick checks, then confirm with the seller before purchase.
Do they actually “school” in a home aquarium?
They often form a loose group rather than a tight synchronized school; adding multiple specimens at the same time tends to produce more consistent grouping behavior.
What’s a simple feeding routine that gets them settled quickly?
Start with small, suspended meaty foods they can grab midwater, then mix in pellets or flakes once they’re taking frozen confidently; several smaller feedings usually matches their natural planktivore style.
Why are they called “false Moorish idols”?
They share a similar body shape and long dorsal “banner” look, but they’re a butterflyfish species with more typical butterflyfish feeding behavior in captivity.
Is it normal for a new one to hover in one area or pace the glass at first?
Yes—many fish spend the first few days learning the tank’s flow patterns and “patrolling” boundaries; they usually transition into broader, steadier cruising as they settle in.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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