Fin's Fish Guide
The Angelfish pennant (Heniochus acuminatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The pennant coralfish is a graceful butterflyfish of the family Chaetodontidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep, disc-shaped, white body with two broad black crossbars and yellow dorsal and tail fins. Characteristic is the greatly elongated, white fourth dorsal-fin ray that trails behind the fish like a pennant. Adults live in pairs in deep, protected lagoons and on outer reefs, while juveniles are often solitary. It is a planktivore that usually stays just above the reef; juveniles sometimes pick parasites off other fishes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Angelfish pennant?
The Angelfish pennant has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Greatly elongated, white fourth dorsal fin ray that streams behind the fish like a pennant.
Where does the Angelfish pennant live?
The Angelfish pennant lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; deep lagoons, channels and outer reef slopes.
How big does the Angelfish pennant get?
The Angelfish pennant grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Angelfish pennant dangerous to humans?
No, the Angelfish pennant is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Angelfish pennant edible?
The Angelfish pennant is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Heniochus
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Angelfish pennant?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Angelfish pennant is one of 12,519 species in the app.