Heniochus (bannerfish) reef safe?

[salttess]

I was told and have read that they are reef safe. So, I got one. Then I see on liveaquaria.com that they are not. Do I need to fish him out? I am ready to start adding corals. Thanks, Tina

 

[thereefmaster]

I think they are hit and miss, maybe someone else will chime in...

TTT

-Nate

 

[bheron]

Dont beleive everything you read on liveaquaria!! With that said, Ive never had that fish. Give it some time.

 

[salttess]

No wonder I have gotten mixed reviews. He keeps eyeballing my new leathers. Oh well I guess I will find out in the morn. if all is ok. Thanks, Tina

 

[bheron]

My yellow tang ate my zoos! Good luck!

 

[MAthU]

i had, three..and they picked at everything!

 

[Gobie]

There are two different species of Heniochus, they almost look the same. one is reef safe the other is not. If you get the wrong one it will be a disaster.

 

[Gobie]

Heniochus acuminatus, not reef safe, Heniochus diphreutes, reef safe. I think, I always get them confused.

If you get the wrong one, youââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ll know right away. :mad2:

 

[salttess]

Whats the best way to tell them apart? Tina

 

[Gobie]

Anal fin length and markings how the black stripe ends, shorter snout and slightly different head shape. If you put the two of them side by side you can barely tell the difference. Itââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s easier to ask what the store got in and then checking with photos in a book before you buy them .

 

[salttess]

Great...... Thanks, Tina

 

[Gobie]

Heniochus acuminatus
I found this Read the description.
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=5588

 

[salttess]

Here is a pic, the best I could get.....Tina

 

[Gobie]

I'm pretty sure that is a Heniochus acuminatus

 

[Gobie]

Here are the ones you want, I found this photo of them. Notice the shorter snout and short anal fin. http://fins.actwin.com/species/index.php?t=9&i=499

 

[Gobie]

That green chromis is in the way of the anal fin to see where the band ends, but you can see the difference in the snout.

 

[salttess]

I think you are right, I appreciate your help. You probably just saved me alot of money and corals. He goes back tomorrow. The anal fin is longer than the tail fin on mine.
Tina