Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish Thoughts??

[spoiled739]

Just wondered what everyone's thoughts on this fish was. I only have soft coral in my tank that this fish would go into. I currently have a 55, but want to upgrade to a 75 or 90 and this is a fish I would really like. I have a pink spotted goby, 2 glowns and a tang (small). I would like to add this fish after the tank has matured from the upgrade, but wanted other's thoughts if you have had it and experiences.

 

[Megatrev62]

Very hardy fish but I'm afraid they get huge and that tank will not house it long term.

 

[Bax]

I currently have my second individual that I've been able to establish. I lost two in QT previously I suspect collection issues there. Both of the individuals I've been able to establish have been good, SPS safe reef fish. Most LPS and all clams have been fine as well. The one I have now does eat some ... well most ... zoas, but it also controls aptasia so it's a trade off I'm willing to make. The first one I had never ate anything as far as corals but I lost him in a tank wide battle with ick.

They do get large, I've seen some huge ones, but it takes a while. They are ravenous eaters, but utilize a tremendous amount of energy as he is by far the most active fish in my tank. Considering he's housed with a yellow tang and a coral beauty, that's says a lot about the activity level of these fish. I have had this one for over two years and it's not 4" yet. It is currently in a 5' long 100g. I would guess it will be fine in this tank for another 18 months or so and then I'll have to move him on to a bigger tank.

 

[jsehlms]

Bax,
I'm assuming you have a Heniochus acuminatus and not a Heniochus diphreutes as yours eats corals. I'm trying to find a H. diphretus, but am not having any luck at the LFS or online.

 

[jd474]

A 90 is too small as a long-term house for any Heniochus, as eventually they will get quite large. Make sure you get H. diphreutes, and not H. acuminatus, as they will pick at many corals, especially as they mature. I finally had to remove a mixed school of 13 terminal adults, as they were just too destructive to the inverts in the tank; and it is a pretty good sized tank. FWIW, some of the diphreutes picked at corals, as well.

 

[Rockys_Pride]

What size tank is that? The school is awesome!

 

[jlcoop277]

Wow that's sweet. I see at least 3 sailfin tangs

I'd like to add 2 to my tank, any rules as to the # to keep together?