Schooling Bannerfish

[robdog696]

I'm about to buy some Schooling Bannerfish (Heniochus diphreutes). It says they can be kept in pairs. The reason I was interested in them is because I want a schooling fish other than blue-green chromis. Can they be kept in threes, fours, or fives??? If so, what is the best number. I only have a 150 gallon aquarium, so I was thinking three. Currently I have a pair of black and white percs and a threadfin blue gudgeon dartfish. I plan to later add a tailspot blenny, maybe an anthias trio, and eventually a mandarin. Thanks for all replies!

 

[hammerhed7]

they do establish a pecking order by butting their heads, I have always read they do best in groups of 3 or more.

 

[aw2x3]

As Hammerhead said...they'd do best in groups of 3, or more...only because it'd give a heirarchy, as opposed to a battling pair.
However, unless you're buying them as juveniles and plan to upgrade, I would not suggest buying a school for a 150gal tank.

 

[srfisher17]

Heniochus diphreutes is one fish that usually does well in pairs; but I like the idea of 3 better. Lots of schooling fish do well in odd numbers, which is odd. Artist-types like the looks of odd numbers of things; and if my daughter wasn't one, I really wouldn't care what artist-types like ! BTW, there seems to be a lot of these fish around now; one major online dealer has med banners (2 1/2-4') on sale for under $20.

 

[robdog696]

I am buying these small (around 2"). And the plan was to get three. I haven't heard any other resource suggest that a 150 would be too small for two or three of these, even fully grown. Someone on the new hobbyist section suggested these will eat feather dusters and coco worms. Is this true, or are they speaking of h. accumentus? Thanks for the replies! Any info on this fish is a big help!

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by Robdog696
http:///forum/post/2695173
I am buying these small (around 2"). And the plan was to get three. I haven't heard any other resource suggest that a 150 would be too small for two or three of these, even fully grown. Someone on the new hobbyist section suggested these will eat feather dusters and coco worms. Is this true, or are they speaking of h. accumentus? Thanks for the replies! Any info on this fish is a big help!
I think a 150 would be fine. These fish (IME & according to the dealer referred to above) are not considered reef safe. As to the dusters & worms, I just don't know; but it would be unusual for two fish in the same genus to not having the same eating habits. I had a pair of H. accumentus for several years and they would eat anything. H.diphreutes & H.accumentus are so similar; I think some authorities consider them the same species.

 

[robdog696]

Heniochus diphreutes is a planktivore.

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by Robdog696
http:///forum/post/2695243
Heniochus diphreutes is a planktivore.
According to Bob Fenner, this whole genus are planktivores, in the wild.( Like most anthias) But will eat about anything in captivity. I did a quick Google and found these guys listed as omnivores, planktivores, and carnivores. Planktivores eat anything small enough that happens to pass by; most of which is meat in some form.

 

[robdog696]

After more extensive research I have found some answers. Supposedly they are fine with worms and clams and all corals. They "rarely" pick at ornamental shrimp. If kept well fed (twice a day) that is supposed to be the only concern with adding them to a reef. I can't believe it's so hard to find accurate info on this fish. Thanks for the replies! I'd still love to hear more if anyone has additional info or experience with them.

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by Robdog696
http:///forum/post/2696673
After more extensive research I have found some answers. Supposedly they are fine with worms and clams and all corals. They "rarely" pick at ornamental shrimp. If kept well fed (twice a day) that is supposed to be the only concern with adding them to a reef. I can't believe it's so hard to find accurate info on this fish. Thanks for the replies! I'd still love to hear more if anyone has additional info or experience with them.
I think the main reason its hard to find specific info is that we're taking fish out of their natural environment and putting them in a tank; so a lot depends on how an individual fish adapts. If I were an author, I wouldn't want to make statements without the facts to support them. Nothing is set in stone in this hobby and we have to depend on the experiences and opinions of others ---then make a judgment call. IMO, that's why this forum is so vital.

 

[robdog696]

Originally Posted by srfisher17
http:///forum/post/2697199
I think the main reason its hard to find specific info is that we're taking fish out of their natural environment and putting them in a tank; so a lot depends on how an individual fish adapts. If I were an author, I wouldn't want to make statements without the facts to support them. Nothing is set in stone in this hobby and we have to depend on the experiences and opinions of others ---then make a judgment call. IMO, that's why this forum is so vital.
I really don't understand your post. Every single fish in any one of our aquariums has been taken out of its natural habitat. Yet there is no shortage of information available on many types of marine life less suitable for aquarium life. Sadly, I have found more info on the Moorish Idol than this fish. I'm here asking questions and searching for people with personal experience. Yet I feel like you are attacking my judgement. I hope I'm wrong, as you have been nothing but helpful to me in the past. It took a good deal of research to even discover this "reef safe" alternative to both the Moorish Idol and H. Accumentus. Only one major online retailer even distinguishes between H. Accumentus and H. Diphreutes. So I've carefully done my homework to ensure I do get the correct fish. If I didn't care about giving it the best home possible I would not be here asking for information. Thanks for sharing your personal experience!

 

[hobrien]

I to have done alot of research on these fish and this sight actually sell the reef safe ones and yes it is best with odd numbers.

 

[srfisher17]

After re-reading my post; it doesn't make much sense to me either; happens every time I try to think with a house full of kids. My point was simplt that there are so many questions in our hobby that don't have clear answers. "Can these 2 fish live together?" "Is this fish reef safe?" etc. No matter how you answer a lot of these, someone will have experienced just the opposite. I'm sure not attacking your judgement and I have no problem with nyone who loses a fish or invert after doing some research. Everyone should do as much as you have!

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by Robdog696
http:///forum/post/2697711
I really don't understand your post. Every single fish in any one of our aquariums has been taken out of its natural habitat. Yet there is no shortage of information available on many types of marine life less suitable for aquarium life. Sadly, I have found more info on the Moorish Idol than this fish. I'm here asking questions and searching for people with personal experience. Yet I feel like you are attacking my judgement. I hope I'm wrong, as you have been nothing but helpful to me in the past. It took a good deal of research to even discover this "reef safe" alternative to both the Moorish Idol and H. Accumentus. Only one major online retailer even distinguishes between H. Accumentus and H. Diphreutes. So I've carefully done my homework to ensure I do get the correct fish. If I didn't care about giving it the best home possible I would not be here asking for information. Thanks for sharing your personal experience!
After re-reading my post; it doesn't make much sense to me either; happens every time I try to think with a house full of kids. My point was simply that there are so many questions in our hobby that don't have clear answers. "Can these 2 fish live together?" "Is this fish reef safe?" etc. No matter how you answer a lot of these, someone will have experienced just the opposite. I'm sure not attacking your judgment and I have no problem with anyone who loses a fish or invert after doing some research. Everyone should do as much as you have!

 

[jpa0741]

Heniochus diphreutes are considered the safer of the 2 for a reef, but may still pick. The problem is they are so hard to tell apart many are labeled wrong. It is still probaly a 50/50 chance when adding to a reef.

 

[gohabsgo]

I had a heniochus in a reef before and did not nip at all! but at the time i did not have a great variety of coral !!And now i have a big maroon that nip my torch,my frogspawn,my elegance and my feather duster

,so who knows?Mine die from ich more than one year ago,but i would try another one for sure and QT him,great fish and always swiming in front of the tank,realy gracefull!!

 

[brandan]

Originally Posted by jpa0741
http:///forum/post/2698534
Heniochus diphreutes are considered the safer of the 2 for a reef, but may still pick. The problem is they are so hard to tell apart many are labeled wrong. It is still probaly a 50/50 chance when adding to a reef.
Do you speak from experience, or are you just going on what you have read?

 

[jpa0741]

Originally Posted by Brandan
http:///forum/post/2703042
Do you speak from experience, or are you just going on what you have read?
My experience and info gathered from other local reefers.

 

[robdog696]

Originally Posted by jpa0741
http:///forum/post/2698534
Heniochus diphreutes are considered the safer of the 2 for a reef, but may still pick. The problem is they are so hard to tell apart many are labeled wrong. It is still probaly a 50/50 chance when adding to a reef.
I agree with you... to a point. Because most online retailers do not specify or guarantee which you will get, it is a 50/50 chance. For example, SWF.com has a picture of an H. Diphreutes. Yet they use the species name H. Accumentus. If you call them, they claim to only sell H. Dipheutes. This is a good example of how I think aquariasts are misled about what they are purchasing. Only one online retailer sells two different schooling bannerfish, clearly labeled. I can't say who that is, obviously.
But my point is this. Getting accurate information on this fish must start with clearly distinguishing between the two types. It's very frustrating to find so little info on this fish because many aquariasts think they have a different type than they actually do.
I have done all the research I can. I have asked for advice and experiences on several different forums. And I have found a retailer that does clearly distinguish between the two types. Now all I can do is find out for myself. My QT is currently occupied, but in two weeks I am going to purchase three small H. Diphreutes. I will start by quarantining them for three weeks. At the same time I will find out how hard it is to get them eating. And finally, I will add them to my DT and cross my fingers.
I feel like if three of them are well fed, healthy, and for sure H. Diphreutes I will get a clear indication of whether they are reef safe or not. I'll post anything I learn. But I would still love to hear any additional info any of you have! Thanks!