Bannerfish Laying On The Surface... Just Because?  7/31/07
Good morning,
<I'll say!>
A quick behavioral note/question...
One of my two Bannerfish has had some odd behavior as of recently. He will come to the surface and lay on his side (and always in the exact same spot) in my 200gallon tank.
<Weird>
He swims on his side about an inch under the surface at the tail end of my water inlet manifold from the pump just above the water stream. He looks fine, is feeding fine, and is mostly swimming around the tank like the other fish. It's like he does this behaviour for about 5-10seconds at a time and judging by the time periods I watch the tank, I'd guess this behaviour occurs once or twice every hour?
<Is strange... as in, uncommon, unknown to me>
There's nothing on the glass or anything that he'd be checking out...
I'm wondering if it is something to be concerned of?
<Mmm, no, not likely>
I recall hearing about fish possibly doing that for increased oxygen???
<Maybe something else...>
However, the fish is breathing normally at a medium rate maybe 60gill beats/minute give or take 10. My water volume is circulated at close to 16X hour and I have a skimmer with high airflow. I'm thinking I have more than enough oxygenation in my tank.
Water parameters:
pH 8.2
Ammonia and Nitrites 0
Nitrates 15PPM and yes I am working on trying to lower these to zero....
Salinity 1.023
On a different note, these Bannerfish are quite the pesky little eaters.
I attempt to stick feed my Snowflake Moray and they get right in there nose to nose with the Moray sometimes stealing food right out of his mouth. Just last night, both were in there with him going after the same piece of tiger prawn and something freaked the eel out as he went screaming to one end of the tank and back in a cloud of sand... proceeding to launch himself out of the tank against the wall about 3ft up... falling back into the tank and disappearing into his hole. He appears to be alright, but was breathing quite heavily.... He proceeded to eat the rest of his dinner after the episode by stick. Kinda freaked me out seeing this 30" eel launch himself... a good reminder that although 99% of the time he is slow and graceful... these suckers can really move when they want to.
<Ah, yes... am out in their range currently, diving...>
David Brynlund
<The two species of Heniochus called Bannerfish are zooplanktivores that live most of the time in upwelling currents where this sort of food occurs... I am speculating that your Heniochus is sort of seeking this same sort of sensation at the surface discharge. Bob Fenner>

Heniochus Concern, Too Much Fish, Too Little Space!     2/23/07
Hi all -
<Hi Jim, Mich here.>
I'm concerned about my Heniochus.  He's withdrawn to the top corner of my tank - near the filter unit, and doesn't seem too adventurous, swimming the entire tank anymore.  He's active enough - when feeding time comes, eating well.  The tank water is fine - just did a partial change, checked everything and it's good.  
It's an established 60 Gal FOWLR, with a couple damsels, the Heni and a blue tang.  
<Too much fish, not enough psychological space.>
Both the Heni and the tang are small - about 4 inches, with the Heni a bit bigger.  I have the suspicion that the Heni is bothered by something.  
<Yes, likely his cramped quarters.>
The damsels are afraid of the larger Heni & tang, so they're not the issue - and I haven't seen the tang display any aggression, either.  There are no bite marks - no ripped or frayed fins on the Heni, so if someone is picking/bullying him, I don't know who it is.  
<Sounds like a good bit of stress in the tank with even the damsels in hiding.>
I'm surprised, actually, because for the five months I've had the Heni & tang (got them the same day), the Heni has always been bigger and more "assertive" in the tank.  I always thought he/she was the boss!  So, I'm now wondering what's up?  I've tried different foods, changed water, rearranged the rock - but the Heni still doesn't want to swim the entire tank freely anymore.  It's as if he's sulking to the corner top or bottom, and is being pressured somehow.  I had thought he was sick at first - but when it's feeding time, he's his old, assertive self, pushing his way into the feeding frenzy! I was wondering if this was normal?  
<Normal for a stressed fish.>
Any ideas?  IF you think perhaps the tang is pressuring the Heni - should I get another Heni to solve the problem
<NO! Even more crowded!>
or get rid of the tang?  (HATE to do that!)  
<I know you won't like hearing this, so I am sorry, but both fish belong in bigger homes.>
Any ideas or advice is most welcome!!!
<Both of these fish should be kept in tanks that are at least 100 gallons.  Like an adult sleeping in a crib, it just doesn't work very well.  Have you considered upgrading?>
Thanks!
<You're welcome.  -Mich>
Jim

Heniochus using Foxface for scratchpad?
Hi Doctor,
I have had these two fish since they were quite small, and they have been two of my most peaceful fish. Now the Heniochus acuminatus is about 5" and the Foxface close to full grown, and all the suddenly the Heni can't leave the Foxface alone. He continues to scratch on only one side of the Foxface without damage to either fish. The Foxface doesn't seem to mind, but occasionally he will raise his dorsal fin. My Heni doesn't scratch against anything else, or show any irritation on his skin. What gives? Thanks, Steve Tilotta
<no logical explanation that I know of short of a captive induced anomaly/behavior. Although strange... it sounds like no harm has come of it. I wouldn't be surprised if changing the rockscape or adding/removing a fish doesn't stop the behavior. Kind regards, Anthony>

Re: Heniochus using Foxface for scratchpad?
As usual you are correct. 
<good to hear :)>
2 days later and my Heni has gone on to other things. 
<like what... dry humping a gorgonian? Heehee...>
Thank you, Steve
<no...thank you for the fun query <G>. Anthony>

La Freak! (Heniochus going nuts in QT)
Hello crew,
<Hi Scott F. here>
I just purchased a Black and White Heniochus.  I got it home and floated the bag in my QT.  As I was trying to get him acclimated with the QT water, he started thrashing about and ramming himself into the side of the bag. He was literally freaking out.  I thought it best to go a head and put him into the QT right then.  When he went into the QT he headed straight to the bare glass floor.  He has been in the tank for about 20 minutes now and all he does is try to get at his reflection.  He rams himself into the floor and then swims on his side against the floor of the QT.  He's not trying to scratch, he's just swimming dragging his mouth on the floor mostly, trying desperately to get to his reflection.  What should I do?
<Here is what I would do. I would keep the tank dark, and try to put dark construction paper or cardboard on three sides.  What you are trying to do is keep the reflection to a minimum and keep the fish calm.>
Should I go ahead and put him into the main tank where there's substrate and probably won't do this, or should I just leave him and hope that he calms down.
<No, do not cut the quarantine period short.  It could result in potential serious consequences for the rest of the fishes in terms of potential illnesses, etc.  Not worth it!>
He's obviously breathing very rapidly.  I hope he won't go into to shock and die or something.  Please if you can, get back to me with some insight.
<Well Vince, hopefully this well help him calm down.  Do monitor water chemistry in the QT to make sure you are not dealing with elevated ammonia or nitrite levels.  Conduct small frequent water changes to keep water quality high in the QT tank and observe the fish carefully.  Good luck. Regards Scott F.>
Vince

La Freak... Part II.
Thank You Scott for getting back to me so quickly.  When I got up this morning, he was still at it.  He is sweeping side to side in sort of a figure eight pattern along the bottom.  He did the same thing all night.  I put some OSI Spirulina Flakes in to see if he would eat, but of course, nothing.  He avoided going near the food.  I will try your suggestions.  Do you think it's OK to start raising the SG of the QT?  The LFS keeps theirs at .019, my main tank is .024, or would this cause more stress to the poor guy?
<Let's try this.  Slowly increase the SG to match your display tank parameters (over a period of several days.)  Continue to monitor water quality in the QT.  Try giving a variety of frozen foods, perhaps, Mysis, "formula" foods, etc., and see if this brings him around.  Hopefully this will do the trick.  If you are still experience problems, let me know.  Regards, Scott F.>

La Freak (Freaking Heniochus- Pt. 3)
Have already done a 20% water change with water from the main tank.  Do you think if I went back and bought the other Heni that was with him at the LF she would calm down? They swam around together and didn't fight, from what I could tell.  I do have room for two.  I just won't get the Tomato Clown pair I was wanting.
<Well, if the behavior has not changed, and if the system you are running can accommodate the new fish, it's worth a shot...Good luck! Regards, Scott F>

Re: Heniochus  9/22/05
Ok, what's the max size on Diphreutes?
<Up to about 7 or 8 inches in length and at least that tall, Adam J.>

The Never Ending Heniochus Query  9/24/05
Hey Bob.  
<He's agreed to let me answer this one...again.>
How big do Heniochus diphreutes get compared to acuminatus?
<Well I have answered this one in the previous query but you can always check for yourself in the WWM FAQ’s.>
I know  both of these fishes max. size in wild, but what about in captivity?  
<On average slightly smaller, however I feel it necessary to mention that as responsible aquarists we should always plan for the largest potential size of any given animal.>
And if I  keep two Diphreutes together in a 70g tank will they school?
<Most fish who are “schoolers” (when in captivity) just tend to hang out rather than follow each other in all but the largest of systems.>
  Is it more likely for this fish to school than Acuminatus?
<About the same in my experience.>
  My tank is ready and am looking forward to stocking it after almost a year!!
<My friend I know I may have come across slightly frustrated but this is your 4th query this week on the same subject, I have answered twice and Bob has answered once. It appears you are fishing for an answer that suits you and not necessarily the truth. In my opinion both of these animals will outgrow your given time due to their swimming behavior.  Bob on the other hand said its “possible” for you to keep one but not a school. Take both answers and come to a solution.  Should you have any other questions feel free to reply. If this has anyway damaged your view of our free service, I apologize. For reference your previous queries are now posted in the Heniochus FAQ’s near the top.>
Thanks Bob
Jeff
<Wishing you and your new tank well, Adam J.>