Humphead Bannerfish

Heniochus varius

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Chaetodontiformes
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genus: Heniochus
Species: Heniochus varius

The humphead bannerfish (Heniochus varius) is a dark-bodied butterflyfish relative with a bump on its forehead, short horn-like projections above the eyes and a white band curving across its body.

It grows to about 19 cm and is usually seen alone or in pairs, sheltering in caves and under ledges by day and feeding on coral polyps and small invertebrates. Unlike some bannerfish, its dorsal fin lacks a long trailing banner.

The humphead bannerfish is found in the western Pacific, including the Philippines, where it lives on coral-rich reefs and drop-offs.