This is an uncommon species at Kwajalein most often observed on lagoon bottom shipwrecks at depths of 30 to 45m. Occasionally specimens are found around lagoon reefs, usually on the slope at depths greater than 20m or so, and a very few specimens have been observed on the seaward reef. We usually see them in pairs, but have occasionally seen groups of up to about five individuals. It feeds primarily on plankton. Although reported by Fishbase to reach 25m, those we see at Kwajalein are always smaller than the related Heniochus monoceros. This species has apparently been recently moved to H. macrolepidotus; however, as the World Register of Marine Species still has it as H. acuminatus, we will leave it there for the time being.
Created 15 October 2010
Updated 6 February 2024