Fin's Fish Guide
The Bannerfish (Heniochus diphreutes) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Description
The schooling bannerfish is a butterflyfish from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 21 cm and has a deep, white body with two broad black cross-bars, a yellow tail and a greatly elongated, white pennant-like dorsal-fin ray. It resembles the Moorish idol, but lives in schools over reefs and slopes and filters small zooplankton from the water. The fish is harmless to humans and appears in the reef aquarium. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bannerfish?
The Bannerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Elongated white pennant-shaped dorsal fin ray; schooling plankton filterer
Where does the Bannerfish live?
The Bannerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Bannerfish get?
The Bannerfish grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.
Is the Bannerfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bannerfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Bannerfish edible?
The Bannerfish is not usually 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 Bannerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bannerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.