Any Progress on Keeping Heniochus?

[Matt L.]

A while ago, a poll was taken here to survey how long Heniochus survived in reef tanks.

If I recall correctly, these fish rarely survived past a few months in the BRS reef tank.

I'm wondering if any progress has been made on keeping the reef-safe variant, H. diphreutes, or if this fish still has a dismal survival record.

Matt

 

[fanaglethebagle]

Was it heniochus or moorish idol? I thought it was moorish idol that the poll was on.

 

[PenMan]

I have had a pair of Heniochus in the new tank for two months now and they are doing great.

 

[JohnK]

Good question.

Also, any exp with the different sub types as shown in Scott Miachaels book (reef safe or not?)

Bump...........

 

[NateHanson]

Was it heniochus or moorish idol? I thought it was moorish idol that the poll was on.

We definitely had a poll and long discussion thread on heniochus (schooling bannerfish). I don't recall a poll on Moorish Idols, but that may have happened as well.

(FWIW, for those who don't know these fish, Heniochus can be mistaken for Moorish idols at first glance)

 

[Matt L.]

Found it.

The poll was from June 7, 2005 (my memory's going back 51 months here).

I figured it was enough time to seek an update.

Matt

 

[NateHanson]

I'm interested in hearing the update on this too.

Has anyone tried keeping heniochus in the last 2 years?

Are you still seeing them in stores?

 

[ReeferMedic]

I see them from time to time in Petco in Woburn when I'm buying dog food. They usually have at least some ich on them, some are covered with it. I have no personal experience to offer. They've never been a favorite fish of mine.

 

[PenMan]

Saw a trio at Aqua Addicts last week, they looked good. Our pair has been in the new tank for 3 months and have really grown.

 

[JohnK]

I saw someone buy one at petco sunday, I had to bite my lip so I wouldn't go and but in to the sale to make sure the person was informed about the fish

FIWIW, I didn't say before, I kept one in my fish only system way back, It did well for about 2 yrs but then was lost in a power outage IIRC.

 

[Matt L.]

Saw a trio at Aqua Addicts last week, they looked good. Our pair has been in the new tank for 3 months and have really grown.

That's good to hear. If I were to get some, I'd get a pair. How are their personalities?

Matt

 

[Clurin]

I'm interested in hearing the update on this too.

Has anyone tried keeping heniochus in the last 2 years?

Are you still seeing them in stores?

The store I work at has had one for at least a month, maybe two. It eats well and seems happy. We had to move it out of the SPS tank though, as it decided to nip polyps (and it's definitely a Heniochus and not the one that looks almost identical).

 

[Valexia]

in fish only systems that i maintain, we have several in clients tanks that are over the five year mark.
Punchy bratty pushy things and they do get big, love that banner!

 

[Chris L]

henis are definately hardier then the morish. i have seen long term survival as well. obviously not a good canidate for a reef but does well in a semi-peaceful fish only tank

 

[NateHanson]

Why do you say they're not good for a reef Chris?

According to Marine Fishes, the Schooling Bannerfish Heniochus is pretty reef safe, but the other one that looks a lot like it (forget the name) is not reef safe.

 

[Chris L]

they are like any other butterfly, they may be "more" reef safe then others but you still take a chance. i have seen some pick at corals and others not. i would not take the chance. now for a morish i just might take the chance

 

[Matt L.]

Any updates on this old thread?

Matt

 

[FreedR]

No personal experience to relate, but I did see two H. diphreutes at Skiptons a week or so ago. Gorgeous little guys, which I had a tough time passing up.

 

[Matt L.]

I ended up with one of them. I'll post photos later.

Matt

 

[estubbaly]

Try E-mailing sanker...he has at least three of them I think...