Heniochus Brown

The Heniochus Brown, also known as the Humphead Bannerfish, is a distinctive and less commonly encountered member of the Heniochus genus. Unlike its more familiar relative the Black and White Heniochus, this species features a predominantly brown to dusky gray body coloration with darker vertical banding and a characteristic pronounced hump on the forehead of adult specimens, which gives it the common name Humphead Bannerfish. The dorsal fin is elongated but not as dramatically trailing as in some other Heniochus species. Juveniles may show more defined white and brown banding that becomes more muted and blended as the fish matures.

In the wild, Heniochus varius is found across the Pacific Ocean, typically inhabiting coral-rich reef slopes and walls at depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters. Unlike some butterflyfish that are obligate corallivores, this species has a broader diet that includes zooplankton, algae, and small benthic invertebrates. Adults are often found in pairs or small groups, and the pronounced forehead hump becomes more prominent with age and is thought to play a role in species recognition and courtship.

In the aquarium, the Heniochus Brown requires intermediate-level care and a spacious tank of at least 125 gallons to accommodate its adult size of up to 7 inches. While it is generally peaceful toward other fish, it should be housed with caution in reef aquariums as it may pick at soft coral polyps, feather duster worms, and small sessile invertebrates. This species benefits from a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and should be offered a varied diet. It is best kept singly or as a mated pair, as conspecifics can be quarrelsome.