Description:

Dorsal spines: 11-12; Dorsal rays: 22-27; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 17-19.

A full bodied, laterally compressed fish with broad prominent bases to dorsal and anal fins that create the impression of an oblique almost triangular body. The snout 
protrudes from the front of the head with a terminal mouth. In adults the anterior spines of the dorsal fin are elongated to form a banner that trails behind the caudal 
fin. 

Colour. Body white with two broad black diagonal bands. The first from the first 3 spines of the dorsal fin down through the base of the pectoral fin to the pelvic fins. 
The second originating behind the elongate spine of the dorsal fin down across the body to the poster portion of the anal fin. A black eye band crosses the interorbital 
area. The soft dorsal and caudal fins are bright yellow. The pectoral fin has yellow rays with transparent membranes. The pelvic fins are black and a ventral black band 
continues from them through the anal spines and the anterior margin of the anal fin. 
 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 25cm TL. Commonly to 15cm TL.

Inhabits coral and rocky reefs, deep lagoons and outer reef slopes (depth 2-75m, usually 15-75m), may inhabit shallow water in sheltered reef areas. Solitary, in pairs or 
in small groups swimming within a few metres of the reef. Feeds mainly on large zooplankton, but also takes benthic invertebrates. Juveniles pick parasites from other fish. 
Oviparous. Form pairs during breeding.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. . It is caught in the fish trap fishery and also in nets, but is an uncommon component of the landed catch, 
as it is typically released by fishers when caught. 

Bray, D.J. Heniochus acuminatus in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/427 (16/06/19). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/5588 (16/06/19).
Heemstra P. & Heemstra, E. (2004). Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa. NISC SAIAB. ISBN: 1-920033-01-7.
Rocha, L.A. et al. (2010). Heniochus acuminatus. The IUCN Red List 2010: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T165626A6071516.en. (16/06/19).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Heniochus acuminatus, Pennant coralfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/heniochus-acuminatus-linnaeus-1758/ (edited 01/07/22).