The Red Sea Bannerfish, Red Sea Bannerfish – Heniochus intermedius is a captivating and vibrantly colored fish known for its unique elongated dorsal fin. This fin, which resembles a banner, gives the fish its common name.
Description & Characteristics
The Red Sea Bannerfish – Heniochus intermedius is characterized by its striking black and white coloration, with a prominent yellow band extending across its body. It possesses a compressed body shape, typically reaching a maximum size of 18.0 cm. Its elongated dorsal fin is a defining feature, with the first two rays significantly longer than the others. This fin, held erect like a banner, is used for display and communication.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Red Sea Bannerfish, Red Sea Bannerfish – Heniochus intermedius is predominantly found in the Red Sea, hence its name. It prefers shallow reef environments, with a depth range from 3.0 to 50.0 meters. This species inhabits the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans, making it a common inhabitant of these marine zones. Its presence extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth, establishing its prevalence in the neritic zone.
Taxonomy
The Red Sea Bannerfish, Red Sea Bannerfish – Heniochus intermedius belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Chaetodontidae. This family, known as the butterflyfishes, is characterized by its diverse and colorful members. The Red Sea Bannerfish – Heniochus intermedius is a member of this family, showcasing the intricate and fascinating world of butterflyfishes.
Feeding
The Red Sea Bannerfish, Red Sea Bannerfish – Heniochus intermedius is an omnivorous fish with a diet that consists of algae, brine shrimps, and zooplankton. They actively graze on algae and other small invertebrates, contributing to the balance of the reef ecosystem.
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