Phantom Bannerfish
Heniochus pleurotaenia
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Bannerfish
Family: Bannerfish
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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 HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile 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 NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt 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 SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Phantom Bannerfish
General information
The Phantom Bannerfish is a beautiful and popular marine aquarium fish that is often kept in groups. They are found in the Indo-Pacific region and are known for their striking appearance. The Phantom Bannerfish can grow up to 9 inches in length and is typically yellow with two black bands running horizontally across the body.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, Phantom Bannerfish feed on zooplankton and small invertebrates. In captivity, they should be fed a varied diet that includes frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood. It is important to provide a balanced diet and not to overfeed them as this can lead to health issues.
Determining sex
There are no visible differences between male and female Phantom Bannerfish.
Breeding & spawning
Breeding Phantom Bannerfish in captivity is rare, but not impossible. They are egg scatterers, meaning that they release their eggs into the water column. If you want to breed them, you should provide a suitable spawning site such as a piece of coral or rock. The eggs will hatch in about 24-36 hours and the larvae will need to be fed a diet of rotifers and other small foods.
Diseases
The Phantom Bannerfish is generally hardy and not prone to many diseases, but they can be affected by common saltwater diseases such as ich and marine velvet. Proper water quality and regular tank maintenance can prevent disease outbreaks.
Origination
The Phantom Bannerfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, and can be found in coral reefs and lagoons.
Cautions
The Phantom Bannerfish is generally not aggressive, but it is best to avoid keeping them with larger, aggressive fish that may view them as prey.
Acclimation process
The Phantom Bannerfish should be slowly acclimated to the aquarium water over a period of at least an hour to avoid stress and shock.
All photos
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