Description
Chocolate Bannerfish – Heniochus pleurotaenia
Overview:
The Chocolate Bannerfish is a striking butterflyfish relative, known for its bold brown-and-white body coloration accented with golden highlights. Its long, trailing dorsal filament gives it a graceful, banner-like appearance, making it a captivating centerpiece in large marine aquariums.
Origin:
Native to the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia.
Feeding:
Omnivorous – in the wild feeds on zooplankton and benthic invertebrates. In aquariums, offer a diet of frozen mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes.
Tank Mates:
Best suited to peaceful community fish. Can be kept singly or in small groups when introduced together in a spacious system.
Aggression:
Generally peaceful, though may become territorial if space is limited.
Experience Level:
Intermediate to advanced – requires a large, stable aquarium and varied diet.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025
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Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons
The Chocolate Bannerfish is a hardy, active swimmer and a beautiful choice for large fish-only marine aquariums.
