Bannerfish Red Sea - Medium

The Res Sea Bannerfish or Butterflyfish are well-known for their distinctive pattern. They are closely related to Angelfish, however, they are easily differentiated by the absence of spines on each side of the angelfish's head.

In the wild these fish will seek soft corals such as Zoanthus. Different types of LPS corals will be targeted by a major portion of the species. Bannerfish have been observed hunting for anemones, tubeworms, and bristle worms.

Their pectoral fins allow them to halt, sprint, turn, and reverse, allowing them to hover immobile while nibbling at coral and dart quickly over short distances. As a result, it's not always the early bird that gets the worm, but a simple bannerfish.

This Bannerfish is native to the Red Sea as the name would suggest, but also lives in the Western Indian Ocean.

Tank Recommendations for Res Sea Bannerfish

It can be kept in a shallow or deep water reef aquarium. It usually takes longer than average to acclimatise to captivity (at least 4 weeks or till eating aggressively), so keep it with tiny tranquil tankmates. It will not acclimate if bothered by tankmates or if the aquarist is excessively active in and around the tank. If introduced at the same time it can be kept in pairs, but be sure to provide live rock with plenty of hiding spots and outcrops.

It's advisable to have a tank of at least 100 gallons 378 litters because of their size and habits plus Bannerfish like to swim. They may not be ideal for reef aquariums since they like to eat invertebrates. A well-lit and well-circulated aquarium is ideal for the schooling Bannerfish. Ideal water conditions for the Red Sea Bannerfish are a pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025, and temperature 72-78oF (22-26°C) .

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Bannerfish is a peaceful aquarium fish that thrives in communities with other fish species with similar temperaments.

These fish usually move in groups, but in a tank, they like to pair together. It's a simple and mild addition to any non-reef marine tank without more aggressive species.

Usually Compatible

Bannerfish are compatible with other non-aggressive fish, which are not conspecific Angelfish (dwarf & large), Anthias and Basslets. As well as Pseudochromis, Batfish, Blennies, Cardinals, Clownfish, Dragonettes, Goatfish and Gobies should cause no issues.

Sometime Compatible

There may be a conflict if Bannerfish are housed with Crustaceans Damsels, Eels, Filefish, Invertebrates, Rays, Scorpionfish, Tangs, Triggerfish, and some Wrasses.

Rarely Compatible

More aggressive fish, including Groupers and Sharks, will harass or eat the Bannerfish. Seahorse/pipefish snappers and live corals are also not suitable tankmates.

Feeding your Red Sea Bannerfish

In the wild Bannerfish feed on benthic invertebrates and zooplankton. Coral polyps, feather duster tentacles, and Christmas tree worms are their main sources of food.

Many of these species can be difficult to persuade to eat at first, but they can't resist live zooplankton or live mussels with smashed shells.

Some species aren't suitable to be kept in aquariums because they are food specialists who will nearly always reject to take substitute foods.

If you can train them to eat frozen foods this makes feeding much easier. Another approach is to pack their food into coral bones or stones to replicate their natural behaviour. Otherwise, the only way to keep food specialists is to feed them their natural diet, which includes things like live SPS and LPS corals.