The Bannerfish, Coachman, Featherfin Coralfish, Longfin Bannerfish, Pennant Bannerfish, Pennant Coralfish, Pennant Coralfish, Pennant Coral Fish, Reef Bannerfish, Wimple Fish, scientifically known as Heniochus acuminatus, is a captivating and highly recognizable fish species found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
Description & Characteristics
The Heniochus acuminatus is easily identified by its elongated dorsal fin, which extends far beyond its body, resembling a pennant or banner. This distinctive feature is particularly prominent in adult males, with the fin reaching almost twice the length of the fish. The body is compressed laterally, featuring a vivid yellow color with black vertical bars. This striking coloration provides excellent camouflage among the colorful corals and other marine life it frequents. The Bannerfish can reach a maximum size of 25.0 cm.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Heniochus acuminatus thrives in a variety of marine environments, including the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. Its neritic habitat preference allows it to inhabit a wide range of coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. This species typically occurs at depths ranging from 2.0 – 178.0 meters, making it a versatile inhabitant of diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Heniochus acuminatus is classified within the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Chaetodontidae, which encompasses a diverse array of butterflyfish and angelfish species. This taxonomic grouping reflects the species’ shared characteristics and evolutionary history within the fish kingdom.
Feeding
The Bannerfish is a primarily carnivorous species, relying on a diet of invertebrates, krill, mysis, plankton, shrimps, worms, and zooplankton. Their foraging strategy often involves actively searching for prey in the coral reefs and rocky crevices they inhabit, employing their elongated dorsal fin to maneuver through tight spaces and catch elusive prey.
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