Red Sea Bannerfish

The 🌊 Red Sea bannerfish (Heniochus intermedius) is a marine ray-finned fish belonging to the butterflyfish family Chaetodontidae. This particular species is found in the western 🌊 Indian Ocean. Notably, it has also been observed as an introduced species off the coast of Florida and as a Lessepsian migrant in the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Turkey.

Characterized by its deeply compressed body, the 🌊 Red Sea bannerfish showcases a pale yellow coloration that fades to white on its beck towards the head. The fish boasts two wide, angled oblique vertical blackish bands, which are darker below and become more diffuse towards the back. The forward band initiates at the origin of the dorsal fin, adjacent to or over the eye, and extends to the pelvic fin. Conversely, the rear band begins at the spiny part of the dorsal fin and reaches the rear section of the anal fin. The pectoral, soft part of the dorsal and anal fins, as well as the caudal fin, display a yellow hue, whereas the pelvic fins appear black. An elongated white filament emerges from the anterior part of the dorsal fin, resembling a banner blowing in the wind when the fish is in motion. In terms of anatomical features, the dorsal fin comprises 11 spines and 25-26 soft rays, while the anal fin possesses 3 spines and 17-18 soft rays. The maximum total length of this species measures up to 18 centimeters (7.1 inches).

Naturally, the 🌊 Red Sea bannerfish is native to the western 🌊 Indian Ocean, specifically in the 🌊 Red Sea and the 🌊 Gulf of Aden. However, it has been introduced to the waters off the southeastern coast of Florida, most likely through escapes or releases from the aquarium trade. Recently, it has also been spotted in the Gulf of Antalya along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, suggesting a probable introduction through the Suez Canal (🇪🇬 Egypt) from the 🌊 Red Sea. Nevertheless, its presence in these areas remains scarce.

The 🌊 Red Sea bannerfish tends to inhabit coral reefs, where it is predominantly observed as a solitary fish or in pairs. However, there have been instances of large schools being documented. Juveniles especially tend to form extensive schools, particularly in areas of deep reef with a low density of corals. Their diet consists of both zooplankton and benthic invertebrates, although the extent of their consumption of live coral is yet to be determined. Furthermore, this species reproduces through spawning and forms monogamous pairs during the breeding process.