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unicorn pennant coralfish

Scientific name Heniochus monoceros
Descriptor Cuvier
Year of description 1831
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Chaetodontidae
Genus Heniochus
Heniochus monoceros Heniochus monoceros
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Introduction

Heniochus monoceros, more commonly known as the unicorn pennant coralfish, is a tropical fish native to the Coral Sea, Tasman Sea, Philippine Sea, Red Sea, Southeast Asian seas, Indonesian seas, Indian Ocean, and western tropical Pacific Ocean.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    15 cm
  • Maximum size
    25 cm
  • Longevity
    10 year
  • Shape
    Triangular
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes
  • Average size
    15 cm
  • Maximum size
    25 cm
  • Longevity
    10 year
  • Shape
    Triangular
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes

How to recognize the unicorn pennant coralfish ?

The unicorn pennant coralfish is tricolored with a predominantly yellow, black, and white body. This species also has vertical stripes of black and white color.

Sexual dimorphism

Dimorphism not specified.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    living as a couple or in a group
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal
The unicorn pennant coralfish is a pair-living or group-living fish that naturally inhabits mid-depth and close to the bottom. It is a species with a calm temperament. Generally, it is an independent fish that pays little attention to other species.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond en eau libre
The unicorn pennant coralfish is an oviparous fish that spawns in open water.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

Aquarium de La Réunion Aquarium de Lyon Aquarium des Lagons

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 24 °C
  • Depth
    2 - 30 m
  • Flow
    Medium

Biotope presentation

The unicorn pennant coralfish is most commonly found at depths less than 30m. However, it is not impossible to find this fish at other depths. The substrate is generally composed of sand and rocks.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

BioObs fishbase EOL

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Patrick Chartrer

Patrick Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 11/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Aquarium de La Réunion Aquarium de Lyon Aquarium des Lagons

Scientific partners

UICN France fishbase Worms BioObs

Tags

#Chaetodontidae

#Heniochus

#barrière de corail

#herbier

#lagon

#Great Barrier Reef

#Tasman Sea

#Philippine Sea

#Red Sea

#South East Asian Seas

#Indonesian seas

#Western Tropical Pacific Ocean

#Réunion

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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