Overview
- Native to the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea to the central Pacific islands.
- Easily recognized by its elongated white dorsal fin resembling a banner, along with bold black and white stripes.
- Commonly mistaken for the Moorish idol due to its similar body shape and color pattern.
- Frequently found in pairs or small groups, often near coral reef drop-offs and sandy bottoms.
- A hardy species that adapts well to aquarium life, making it a popular choice among marine aquarists.
Feeding
- Omnivorous diet, primarily feeding on zooplankton, algae, and small invertebrates.
- Readily accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.
- Should be supplemented with marine algae or spirulina-based foods to maintain health.
- Requires multiple feedings per day to support its active metabolism.
- Foraging behavior includes picking at rock surfaces for small organisms.
Habitat
- Commonly found in coral reef slopes, outer reef areas, and lagoons with moderate water flow.
- Prefers an aquarium setup with open swimming space and live rock formations for shelter.
- Requires stable water parameters and a well-established biological filtration system.
- Best suited for large aquariums (minimum 125 gallons) due to its active swimming behavior.
- Thrives in a reef environment but may nip at some corals or sessile invertebrates.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Ideal pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026.
- One of the hardier butterflyfish species but requires high water quality and regular maintenance.
- Can be prone to stress if housed with overly aggressive tank mates.
- Regular water changes and high-quality filtration help prevent disease.
Compatibility
- Peaceful and suitable for community reef tanks but may become territorial if kept in small spaces.
- Compatible with tangs, clownfish, wrasses, and other non-aggressive species.
- Best kept in pairs or small groups but can also be housed singly in larger tanks.
- May occasionally nip at soft corals, so caution is advised in reef tanks.
- Should not be housed with highly aggressive fish that may intimidate it.
Aquarium Behavior
- Highly active swimmer, frequently seen moving through the mid-to-upper water column.
- Social and often engages in group interactions when kept with conspecifics.
- Can be shy when first introduced but quickly becomes confident in a well-established aquarium.
- Exhibits natural foraging behavior, picking at rocks and substrate for food.
- Thrives in a stable, well-maintained environment with ample swimming space.