Heniochus monoceros is a fairly common species in the Maldives, often seen hovering side by side below table corals; however, it is one of the most timid of all bannerfish.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 25 cm
color
Three dark brown bars. Central bar narrows at the top to include only fifth to seventh dorsal fin spines. Areas between bars white. Posterior part yellow.
Adults are typically seen in pairs, taking refuge in the cracks of coral reefs on the outer slopes. They feed on creatures that live on the seafloor.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 12 spines and 24-27 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 17-19 rays, and a pectoral fin with 16-18 rays. Its body depth is 1.5-1.7 times its standard length, and it has a fourth dorsal spine that is prolonged as a tapering white filament. Additionally, adults of this species have a prominent hump on their nape and a short "horn" in front of each eye.