Heniochus Black White Butterflyfish

Heniochus acuminata

Saltwater Fish Species Group: Butterflyfish Family: Chaetodontidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Heniochus Black White Butterflyfish

General information

The Heniochus Black White Butterflyfish, also known as the Black and White Heniochus or Pennant Coralfish, is a peaceful species that grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length. It has a triangular, elongated body with a black base color and white stripes extending from its dorsal fin down to its belly. This species is suitable for larger aquariums, as it requires plenty of swimming space and is known to be a fast swimmer.

Diet & nutrition

Heniochus Black White Butterflyfish is an omnivorous species and feeds on a variety of foods including algae, small crustaceans, and plankton. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, and quality flake food.

Diseases

Black White Butterflyfish is susceptible to the same diseases as other saltwater fish, such as Ich and marine velvet. These diseases can be prevented with proper quarantine procedures and a healthy diet.

Origination

The Heniochus Black White Butterflyfish is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, particularly in the areas around Japan, the Philippines, and Australia.

Cautions

This species is generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish, but it may become territorial towards other Heniochus Butterflyfish. It is not recommended to keep this species with aggressive fish or invertebrates that may be seen as prey.

Acclimation process

Heniochus Black White Butterflyfish should be slowly acclimated to their new environment to prevent shock. A drip acclimation method is recommended, which involves gradually introducing small amounts of water from the aquarium to the transport bag over several hours.

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