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Graceful, dramatic, and impossible to miss, the Longfin Bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus) glides through the water with long, flowing dorsal streamers and bold black-and-white striping. Often mistaken for the Moorish Idol due to its similar silhouette, this hardy reef-safe butterflyfish relative makes an excellent centrepiece for larger marine aquariums. Its peaceful temperament and active swimming style add motion, beauty, and calm to any well-established setup.
Species: Heniochus acuminatus
Common Names: Longfin Bannerfish, Pennant Coralfish, Poor Man’s Moorish Idol
Origin: Indo-Pacific – from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef and throughout the western Pacific
Light Requirements: Moderate to high
Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys a varied diet of marine-based flakes and pellets, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and algae-based foods
Maximum Size: Up to 25 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Intermediate
Aquarium Setup:
Best suited to marine aquariums of 300 litres or more, the Longfin Bannerfish prefers open swimming space, rockwork for shelter, and peaceful tankmates. It’s a reef-safe species that generally ignores corals, making it an excellent addition to soft coral and SPS reef tanks. While it can be kept singly, it often does well in bonded pairs or small groups introduced simultaneously in larger systems.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Growth and Maintenance:
Longfin Bannerfish are relatively hardy once settled but require stable, clean water conditions and a high-quality, varied diet. Their long trailing fins are part of their charm—avoid fin-nipping tankmates. Though active swimmers, they are not overly aggressive and thrive in peaceful, well-maintained reef environments.
Care Tips:
✔ Feed 2–3 times daily with a varied omnivorous diet
✔ Keep singly or in bonded pairs unless tank is large enough for a group
✔ Avoid housing with aggressive or fin-nipping species
✔ Maintain excellent water quality for long-term health
✔ Provide open space for swimming and caves for resting
Compatibility:
Great for peaceful to semi-aggressive reef tanks. Pairs well with clownfish, gobies, tangs, wrasses, blennies, and other non-aggressive butterflyfish. Avoid triggers, puffers, and large angelfish unless the tank is large and territories are well-defined.
Availability:
Regularly available in the Australian marine trade. Ask us about current availability and whether juveniles or bonded pairs are in stock.
Disclaimer:
"While often confused with the Moorish Idol, the Longfin Bannerfish is far more adaptable to aquarium life and is considered reef-safe. Always ensure adequate tank size and avoid aggressive tankmates."