False Moorish Idol (Heniochus diphreutes)

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False Moorish Idol

Heniochus diphreutes4535.jpg
False Moorish Idol

Heniochus diphreutes

379 Litres (100 US G.)

17.8-20.3cm (7-8 ")

pH

8.0 - 8.5

21.1-23.9°C (70 -75 °F)

8-12 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Chaetodontidae





Additional names

False Moorish Idol, Schooling Bannerfish, Hawaiian Pennantfish, Pennant Coralfish

Additional scientific names

Heniochus diphreustes, Heniochus acuminatus


Origin

Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and South Africa to warm-temperate Australia and the Hawaiian Islands.


Sexing

No known visual differences.


Tank compatibility

A peaceful fish that does well in a non-aggressive tank mates and others of their own kind provided the tank is large enough. In small tanks they may become territorial.


Diet

Will accept most foods, prefers a meaty diet of both fresh, frozen and prepared foods.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Prefers a spacious tank and is fairly hardy to water parameters. Prefers a medium to strong current.


Behaviour

A generally peaceful fish, although can be territorial towards its own kind in small tanks. Is generally reef-safe but may eat sessile invertebrates, this is not common however.


Identification

This fish mimics the colouration on the Moorish Idol, and looks very similar to it's cousin the Heniochus acuminatus. It differs by having a shorter snout and larger eyes. Also the rear black stripe on H. diphreutes splits the center of the anal fin with the white mid-body stripe, whereas the black stripe of H. acuminatus ends higher up on the anal fin.

Pictures

External links