henniochus butterful

[farslayer]

I've got a 125G with really no swimming fish, just a foxface, some small guys and then tons of coral/inverts. I really like this butterfly, but was told they had to be schooled to do well. Anyone have any experience with these guys in a reef situation? What would be a good number to have in a school?

 

[maxalmon]

Years ago I had a Heniochus acuminatus aka "Poor Mans Morish Idol" IMO they don't have to be kept in multiple pairs, as I only had 1 and he was with me for many years.
Easy fish to keep, I seen no problem why either 1 or a pair could not be kept in a good sized tank.

 

[florida joe]

Make sure you get H. diphreuts not H. acuminatus , acuminatus is not coral safe

 

[farslayer]

Ah, so how do I identify the two species?

 

[maxalmon]

Totally forgot to mention that, this was a fish only tank.
Googled the below info
The eniochus acuminatus which has a more prominent snout and longer anal fin (and is not reef safe), H. diphreutes also is a schooling fish, whereas H. acuminatus is solitary or found in pairs at most in the wild.

 

[farslayer]

Ah, thanks for the info, I shall certainly google, print pics, and go shopping

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by Farslayer
Ah, thanks for the info, I shall certainly google, print pics, and go shopping