Butterfly (Heniochus) Question?

[casshoward]

I am slowly building my 170 gals community of fish and corals (softies, zoos...). I am interested is the Longfin Bannerfish, aka Heniochus acuminatus. I have read that they will cause major damage in a reef tank. I have also read that it's look alike(Heniochus diphreutes, aka Schooling Bannerfish) is relatively reef safe and unlikely to cause damage (harder ti find on-line). I would love a small school of the Bannerfish, but I am afraid I may regret it. Has anyone had any success, in a reef tank, with Bannerfish?

At present, I have a large frogspawn, toadstool, devil's hand, green and orange zoos, and mushrooms. Also, pair of clowns, pair of anthias, lawnmower blenny, shrimp, crabs, snails.

All advice welcomed!

[bureau13]

Other than the fact that mine just jumped out of the water onto the top of my acrylic tank and baked himself to death under the halides, mine was perfectly fine :(

I do plan on getting more.

jds

[casshoward]

Thanks for the reply. You have given me something else to think about, as I too have an acrylic tank. Have you heard of anyone covering the top with a mess of some sort? I would hate to have a premature fish-fry (or bake)! :smokin:

[keeperofthefish]

If you can find a true Heniochus diphreutes, you should be fine. If you can get a few, they will school in a tank your size. That would be beautiful. IMO, they're beautiful fish. I still want one in my tank!

[bureau13]

I know some fish are notorious jumpers, but I've never heard of these guys doing it. He didn't seem to be a particularly acrobatic swimmer, I imagine something startled him when he was near the surface and he just happened to be in the wrong spot.

Some people do use egg crate to cover openings if they have jumpers. I think it can reduce your light though, a bit.

jds

[casshoward]

Thanks for the reply! I guess Santa will be bringing Heniochus !