Pennant Coralfish

Pennant Coralfish

Description of the Pennant Coralfish
The Pennant Coralfish is also known as the Longfin Bannerfish, Coachman, Featherfin Coralfish, Butterflyfish, Common Bannerfish, Angelfish Pennant and Pavillon.  It looks similar to the beautiful Crowned Scythe, better known as the Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus). The fish is primarily black and white with yellow anal, caudal and pectoral fins. It has an elongated dorsal fin which can extend up to 25cm.

Profile of the Pennant Coralfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Pennant Coralfish species.

• Size: Up to 25cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.2 to 8.4. Temp 25 to 28 Degrees

• Diet / Feeding: Plant and Animal based flaked, dried or frozen marine food

• Temperament: Very Passive, Great Community Fish

• Habitat: Reef Dwellers at depths of up to 75m

• Behaviour: Not Territorial, Very Social Fish

• Range: Indo-Pacific

Scientific Classification of the Pennant Coralfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Heniochus acuminatus

• Popular Name: Pennant Coralfish - Longfin Bannerfish - Coachman - Featherfin Coralfish - Butterflyfish - Common Bannerfish - Angelfish Pennant - Pavillon

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Chaetodontidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Pennant Coralfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Pennant Coralfish slimy?
Pennant Coralfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Pennant Coralfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Pennant Coralfish have gills?
Gills enable the Pennant Coralfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Pennant Coralfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Pennant Coralfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Pennant Coralfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Pennant Coralfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Pennant Coralfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Pennant Coralfish