The Red Sea Bannerfish (Heniochus intermedius) is a striking marine species known for its distinctive appearance and graceful swimming behavior.
Key Information
• Small fish safe: Yes
• Small invert safe: ⚠️ With caution
• Coral safe: No
• Minimum tank size: 473 liters (125 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 18 cm (7 inches)
• Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and benthic invertebrates.
• Be aware of: May nip at corals and small invertebrates; requires a well-established tank with ample swimming space; can exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards similar species.
Appearance and Coloration
The Red Sea Bannerfish features a deeply compressed body with a pale yellow hue that transitions to white towards the head. It is characterized by two wide, oblique black bands:
1. The first band starts at the origin of the dorsal fin, adjacent to or over the eye, and extends to the pelvic fin.
2. The second band begins at the spiny part of the dorsal fin and runs to the rear part of the anal fin.
The pectoral, soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are yellow, while the pelvic fins are black. A distinctive elongated white filament extends from the anterior part of the dorsal fin, resembling a banner as it moves gracefully through the water.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
Heniochus intermedius is native to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It inhabits coral reefs at depths ranging from 3 to 50 meters. Juveniles often form large groups at the base of reefs, sometimes associating with Heniochus diphreutes, while adults are typically solitary or found in pairs, occasionally forming small groups. Their diet consists of zooplankton and benthic invertebrates.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
To ensure the well-being of the Red Sea Bannerfish in captivity:
• Minimum Tank Size: A 125-gallon (473 liters) aquarium is recommended to provide ample space for swimming and territory establishment.
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
• Aquascaping: Incorporate ample live rock to create hiding spots and grazing areas, mimicking their natural reef habitat.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable.
• Water Movement: Moderate flow to simulate their natural environment.
Maintaining stable water conditions and high water quality is crucial for their health. A mature, well-established aquarium with abundant live rock will support their natural grazing behavior and provide necessary shelter.
Diet and Feeding
Red Sea Bannerfish are omnivorous and adapt well to captive diets:
• Diet: Offer a varied diet consisting of:
• Finely chopped meaty foods
• Vitamin-enriched brine shrimp
• Crustacean flesh
• Mysis shrimp
• Frozen preparations for herbivores
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts multiple times daily to meet their nutritional needs.
Providing ample live rock will allow natural grazing behavior, which is beneficial for their health and well-being. Initially, they may be shy and reluctant to eat; offering live or frozen foods can encourage feeding until they become accustomed to prepared foods.
Compatibility and Social Structure
Red Sea Bannerfish can exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards conspecifics and similar species:
• Social Structure: Best kept singly unless in a very large aquarium where multiple individuals can establish territories.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful towards other species but may become aggressive towards similar-looking fish.
• Compatible Tank Mates: Suitable companions include peaceful community fish such as gobies, blennies, and wrasses. Caution is advised when housing with other butterflyfish or species with similar coloration.
Observing their interactions and providing ample space can help mitigate aggressive behaviors. Due to their territorial nature, they should be housed with non-aggressive tank mates to prevent stress.
Important Considerations
• Reef Compatibility: While often considered reef-safe, individual specimens may nip at corals and small invertebrates. Monitoring their behavior is essential, especially in reef setups.
• Acclimation: They may be shy upon introduction but typically become more confident over time.
• Health: Ensure a varied diet and stable water conditions to prevent common health issues.
With proper care and attention to their specific needs, Red Sea Bannerfish can be a vibrant and rewarding addition to a marine aquarium.