Heniochus ID
- Thread starter ap2honda
- Start date
Rapide
New member
It's quite impossible to tell without closer inspection... In H. diphreutes, the snout is shorter, the breast is more rounded, and the back margin of the anal fin is less angled towards the posterior end of the fish when compared to the very similar H. acuminatus. There is one simple and obvious distinguishing characteristic between the two species, but the truth is that the differences in these traits can vary with the age of the fish, as well as variation between individuals. Some individuals may very clearly belong to one species or another while a few individuals may stymie even the most seasoned fishkeepers.
One easy way to know for sure that you are getting H. diphreutes is to purchase a fish that came from Hawaii, as H. acuminatus does not occur there. Of course, this may be easier said than done. Remember--just because a retailer sells a fish as "the reef safe bannerfish", or "H. diphreutes" or "Hawaiian caught", it may not necessarily be the case.
One easy way to know for sure that you are getting H. diphreutes is to purchase a fish that came from Hawaii, as H. acuminatus does not occur there. Of course, this may be easier said than done. Remember--just because a retailer sells a fish as "the reef safe bannerfish", or "H. diphreutes" or "Hawaiian caught", it may not necessarily be the case.
Thank you for the information. I'm aware about not really trusting what some stores say. I just decided if I'm going to buy a banner fish I might as well go for one that has been labeled as a Diphreutes. than flat out buying one who is labeled an Acuminatus.
I also understand that with this type of fish you need to do very close observations with it, to be able to determine if it's a D. or an A. With that said the purpose of my post was to get more opinions ( a general consensus of what this Heniochus appears to be. here is a better close up taken with an actual camer and not my cell phone. I'd like to hear what you as well as others on reefcentral believe this heniochus is based on the pictures provided.
Thank you.
I also understand that with this type of fish you need to do very close observations with it, to be able to determine if it's a D. or an A. With that said the purpose of my post was to get more opinions ( a general consensus of what this Heniochus appears to be. here is a better close up taken with an actual camer and not my cell phone. I'd like to hear what you as well as others on reefcentral believe this heniochus is based on the pictures provided.
Thank you.
NarakuAulonocar
New member
That is diphreutes. The ventral fins are sharp. The snout is short and the eyes are larger.
Thanks for all the help.... badnews tbough, I decided to put the heniochus in the display tank yesterday and my powder blue tang bullied him to death. I had managed to take him out and put him back in the hospital tank he looked fine but by this morning he was dead 
next time ( if I ever find a D. Again) I will take out the powder blue tang and place him in the hospital tank while the heniochus lasts a month or two in the display tank
next time ( if I ever find a D. Again) I will take out the powder blue tang and place him in the hospital tank while the heniochus lasts a month or two in the display tankSimilar threads
