Horned Heniochus: The Humphead Bannerfish

The Horned Heniochus (Heniochus varius), also commonly known as the Humphead Bannerfish or Brown Bannerfish, is a unique and captivating species of butterflyfish. Unlike the more common Bannerfish species, adult Horned Heniochus develop a distinctive bony hump on the forehead and small, horn-like protrusions above each eye, which is the source of its common name. The juvenile fish possess the long dorsal streamer common to the genus, but this feature recedes as the fish matures.

This fish exhibits a striking pattern with a dark brown to black lower body, transitioning to a honey-brown dorsal half. It is marked by two prominent white bands that create a triangular dark pattern on its side. Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Horned Heniochus reaches a maximum length of about 7 to 8 inches (18-20 cm) and requires an aquarium of at least 100-125 gallons to provide adequate swimming space and room for rocky shelter.

The Horned Heniochus is considered to be a moderately hardy fish, but it requires an intermediate level of care due to its specific dietary needs and potential difficulty in acclimating to prepared foods.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This species is a Carnivore in the wild, feeding primarily on sponges, tunicates, coral polyps, and other benthic invertebrates. In captivity, it should be fed a varied diet of high-quality, meaty frozen foods, such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped clam, and marine-based preparations. They should also be offered herbivore preparations (like algae-based flakes/pellets) as an occasional supplement.
• Feeding: Offer multiple small feedings (2-3 times) throughout the day, especially when the fish is first introduced, to encourage feeding and grazing behavior. If it is hesitant to eat, try pressing food into crevices of the live rock to mimic its natural foraging.
• Reef Compatibility: It is NOT Reef Safe. While generally peaceful toward other fish, the Horned Heniochus has a natural diet of sessile invertebrates. It is highly likely to nip at or completely consume soft corals, large polyp stony (LPS) corals, clam mantles, sponges, and ornamental fan or tube worms. It is best suited for a Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) setup.
• Temperament: It is generally Peaceful with most other fish species. However, it may become territorial or aggressive toward other butterflyfish, especially those with similar body shapes, or other members of its own species unless kept in a confirmed mated pair introduced simultaneously. Tankmates should be non-aggressive and capable of competing for food.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Heniochus varius
• Primary Common Name: Horned Heniochus
• Other Common Names: Humphead Bannerfish, Brown Bannerfish, Hunchbacked Coralfish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (to other non-similar fish)
• Diet: Carnivore (Must be converted to frozen meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 100-125 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: No (Will eat corals and invertebrates)