Photo. (c) 2022 BSS/MCSS.
Scientific Name: Heniochus monoceros
English Name: Masked bannerfish
Creole Name: Paviyon
French Name: Cocher masque
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Description:
Dorsal spines: 12; Dorsal rays: 24-27; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 17-19.
Adults with prominent bony protruberance on nape and a short "horn" in front of each eye. Long third dorsal spine with broad interspinous membrane creating bannerfish effect.
Caudal fin truncate and slightly emarginate.
Colour. Black face with white lines above and in front of the eyes. White lips. Nape brown becoming darker towards dorsal fin origin. Broad black bar crossing the body from
behind the white dorsal fin filament to the black pelvic fins. Dusky oblique bar on posteriror flank. Pectoral fin rays yellow and membranes transparent. Yellow dorsal,
caudal and anal fins. Anal fin with black edge and submarginal white line.
Size:
Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 24.0 cm TL.
Habitat and Ecology:
Inhabits areas of rich coral growth in lagoons and outer reefs (depth 2-30 m). Feeds on crabs, worms, and other benthic invertebrates. Adults occur alone, in pairs and
sometimes in large groups. Juveniles are solitary. Oviparous. Form pairs during breeding.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. Does not appear in general to be subject to the artisanal fishery and/or is released if caught.
Notes:
Photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.
References:
Bray, D.J. Heniochus monoceros in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2413 (12/07/22).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Heniochus-monoceros.html (12/07/22).
McGrouther, M. (2021). Masked Bannerfish, Heniochus monoceros (Cuvier, 1831). https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/masked-bannerfish-heniochus-monoceros-cuvier-1831/ (12/07/22).
Myers, R. & Pratchett, M. (2010). Heniochus monoceros. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T165650A6080493.en. (12/07/22).
Smith, M. & Heemstra, P. (Eds.) (1999). Smiths’ Sea Fishes Edition 6. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 10.1007/978-3-642-82858-4
Citation:
Nevill, J.E.G., Brighton, E. & Mason-Parker, C. (2022). Heniochus monoceros, Masked bannerfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/heniochus-monoceros-cuvier-1831/
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