Heniochus ID/Copyrighted Photos Query 11/1/09
Dearest Crew and Bob,
<Howdy Jillian>
Again, thanks so much for providing WWM. This is truly enjoyable resource and there are always new things to discover on it!
<And to add!>
I was not able to find much pertaining to my question so here goes.
I am very interested in the Heniochus butterflies, specifically the diphreutes and acuminatus species. I have researched the similarities/differences between the two extensively (body and snout shape, stripes and markings) but have little "hands-on" experience with them. You can do all the reading in the world but without seeing the two next to each other in the same tank, it's difficult to differentiate.
<Yes>
I have found a photo on the web that I believe shows the two species in the same system but have not attached because I am not the owner. I know that copyrighted photos are NOT to be published without owner consent and wanted to ask if it was ok to request an species identification from you for my
own education without posting on the site. If so, I will attach in another email.
<Sounds fine. Please do re-mention that this pic is not yours and I/we will avoid posting it>
Lastly, thanks again for all of the wonderful photos that have been posted and archived, especially the dailies! This is a wonderful educational resource!
Jillian
<A pleasure to share. Bob Fenner>

Re: Heniochus ID/Copyrighted Photos Query (RMF should have asked for the URL to refer!)  11/1/09
Bob,
<J>
Thanks so much for your time and world-class expertise!
<Welcome!>
I have attached the Heniochus photo. To clarify, this is not my own personal photo and do not have permission from the owner to publish.
<Understood>
I believe that all pictured butterflies are Heniochus acuminatus with the exception of the one at the top left, this one being A. diphreutes. The shorter body length, shorter snout, and rear black stripe that extends all
of the way down (I think) indicates this. Also, regarding the white space between the rear black stripe and the yellow, the area appears to be comparatively reduced. The eye stripe also appears to be blacker, masking the eye more.
<Mmm, I think these are all H. acuminatus>
Are these traits indicative of Heniochus diphreutes? I would greatly value your expert opinion. I may very well be incorrect on this identification.
<H. diphreutes has a much more "rounded, attenuated" mouth appearance.
There are other diagnostic features listed by Gerald Allen in his Bfly books...>
Thank you!!
Jillian
<Again, welcome. BobF>

Re: Heniochus ID/Copyrighted Photos Query 11/14/09
Dear Bob,
<Jill>
Thank you so much for your reply and I apologize for my tardiness in responding.
<No worries>
In an ongoing attempt to understand the differences between Heniochus diphreutes and Heniochus acuminatus, I have done more research but still feel like one must have "hands on" experience with the two.
<Agreed. I have seen both species sold as t'other repeatedly; even mis-identified in bound volumes>
One follow up questions if you would be so kind: do you believe that the photos posted on Wikipedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heniochus_acuminatus
<I do agree with what is stated here, the IDs of the photos>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heniochus_diphreutes
<And agree with these as well>
for the two are the true species stated?
<Yes>
I noticed that the acuminatus seems to have a somewhat large mouth while the diphreutes is a little harder to discern.
<Yes. Really only easy to tell if both are on/at hand... alive... or for morphological comparison, dead. To paraphrase from the Allen's and Steene's last Butterfly and Angel book (1998), for H. acuminatus, "Nearly identical to H. diphreutes, which has more rounded breast, less protruding snout, and its second black band ends at corner of the anal fin (ends just behind corner in H. acuminatus)>
Upon you recommendation, I have ordered Gerald Allen's book. Thank you so much!
Jillian
<Am sure you will enjoy, benefit from its perusal. Cheers! BobF>

Re: Heniochus ID/Copyrighted Photos Query 11/14/09
Dear Bob,
<Precious Jillian>
Thank you so much! I do think that I'm beginning to understand. The contour of the breast and mouth seems to be the most obvious factor in identifying Henis.
<Ah, yes>
I do hope that I will be able to identify them when purchasing. I may also decide to order from Liveaquaria.com if they are able/willing to discern the two.
<Am sure the folks at this excellent company will do so. H. diphreutes is actually rarely imported... due to the abundance of its look alike in closer collection areas to the U.S.>
Lastly, thank you so much for the amazing daily photos! You really do have
an amazing eye (am assuming that you took most of these!). Thank you!
<Welcome dear. BobF>