Heniochus acuminatus
17cm
2-178m
32 sites
Chaetodontidae
Imagine gliding along a vibrant coral reef, and a striking black and white fish with an impossibly long dorsal fin catches your eye – that's likely the Longfin Bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus)! These beauties add a touch of elegance to the underwater landscape. Typically around 17cm, but sometimes growing up to 25cm, they're a common sight in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the Great Barrier Reef to the coasts of Japan and Korea. While they can be found at surprising depths down to 178m, divers and snorkellers usually spot them in shallower reef areas, often in pairs or small groups. Keep an eye out for them gracefully navigating through the coral, adding a splash of monochrome magic to your dive.
The Longfin Bannerfish is easily recognized by its striking color pattern: a mostly white body with two broad, diagonal black bands. The most distinctive feature, of course, is its greatly elongated, flowing dorsal fin, which gives it a banner-like appearance. It also has a prominent snout and a black spot on its anal fin. Juveniles may have slightly different color patterns, but the elongated dorsal fin is a constant giveaway.
