The Pennant Coralfish (Heniochus acuminatus) is a marine (saltwater) fish in the Chaetodontidae family of butterflyfish. It is also known as the Longfin Bannerfish, the Reef Bannerfish, or the Coachman.
The Pennant Coralfish is a laterally compressed black and white striped fish with a white elongated, trailing white filament. Its fins are yellow. Its head is white with black eyes. Its snout (nose) is spotted with black marks.
It grows to about 25 centimetres (10 inches) in length.
It is native to the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It likes deep water in outer reefs.
It is mainly nocturnal, active at night. It feeds on small invertebrates, such as tubeworms, as well as algae and coral polyps. It also likes clams and molluscs.
The Pennant Coralfish lives in pairs. It forms a monogamous pair for life.
It is oviparous. The female lays eggs which are free floating in sea water until they hatch.
Location of photographs: Aquarium de Paris-Cinéaqua, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM