Horned Bannerfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Pacific, ranging from Indonesia to French Polynesia. Found on steep seaward slopes and lagoons.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Chaetodontidae. Distinguished by bony horns on the forehead and a hump on the nape. Grows to 19 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful towards other species. Usually found in pairs or solitary. Best for quiet marine tanks.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Dark brown to black body with two vertical white bands on the head and mid-body. No dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires at least 300 liters (80 gallons) with plenty of live rock and caves.

Diet and Feeding: Specialized feeder on coral polyps. Difficult to transition to prepared frozen foods.

Water Quality: Demands high-quality marine water conditions, efficient protein skimming, and stable salinity.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Compatible with peaceful tankmates.

Not reef safe:; eats corals.

Aquarium Breeding: Undocumented in home aquariums; pelagic spawners in nature.

Risks and Diseases: High risk of starvation if it refuses frozen foods. Prone to marine ich if water quality declines.