Heniochus diphreutes is one of the most common Maldivian butterflyfishes, and it can easily be confused with H. acuminatus (from the previous page), which usually occurs in pairs on the reef.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 21 cm
color
Colour almost identical to H. acuminatus (previous page) but the second dark band is placed further backward on the anal fin. White with two broad diagonal stripes. Dorsal and caudal fins yellow. Pectoral fins pale. In juveniles anal spines whitish. In larger adults only distal ends dusky.
This is a schooling species that tends to swim well off the bottom of the ocean. It feeds mainly on zooplankton and is occasionally observed cleaning other fish.
distinctive characters
This species has a dorsal fin with 12 spines and 23-25 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 17-19 rays, a pectoral fin with 16-18 rays, a body depth of 1.2-1.5 times its standard length, a snout that is shorter than its eye diameter, and a fourth dorsal spine that is prolonged, with no spines in front of its eyes.