Heniochus varius (Cuvier, 1829)
Horned bannerfish
Heniochus varius
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/D. Terver

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  19 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Indonesia to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals and New Caledonia; throughout Micronesia. Reported from Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean (Ref. 5439). Replaced by Heniochus pleurotaenia in the Indian Ocean (Ref. 37816).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-25; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 17-18. This species is distinguished by the following characters: adults with a pair of prominent horns on the forehead, just above the eyes and a distinct protuberance on forehead; snout length 2.9-3.5 in HL; greatest body depth 1.3-1.5 in SL. Colour solid brown to blackish triangular area between white bands (2 white bands running from caudal peduncle and breast to each end of spinous section of dorsal fin) (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occur in deep lagoons and steep outer reef slopes, with mixed algae and coral growth (Ref. 48636). Solitary or in small groups. Feed on corals and other invertebrates (Ref. 9710). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205). Maximum depth reported taken from Ref. 48636.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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