HUMPHEADED BANNERFISH

The humpheaded bannerfish, Heniochus varius, is also known as the horned bannerfish. Its dark body and contrasting pale bands distinguish it from the familiar black-and-white schooling bannerfish often seen in aquarium photographs.

Create a mature marine setting with ample swimming room and rock crevices to investigate. Feed varied small marine meaty foods along with suitable herbivore preparations. If it is reluctant to feed in open water, presenting food around the rockwork may better suit its natural browsing behaviour.

Tubeworms, crustaceans and clam mantles may be picked at, so a reef aquarium needs careful compatibility planning. Keep it with fish that allow it to approach food calmly. Do not assume that the bannerfish name makes an arbitrary group compatible in a confined display.