Heniochus diphreutes
The name Heniochus diphreutes comes from the Greek word Heniochus, which means “carriage driver” or “coachman”.
Photo by Mika d’Eau
These fascinating creatures thrive in the warm, vibrant waters of the Indo-Pacific region. From the eastern coast of Africa and the Red Sea, to the remote islands of Polynesia and Hawaii, and extending from southern Japan to the tranquil waters of New Zealand, they inhabit diverse ecosystems. Typically found between 5 and 30 meters in depth, they favor outer reef slopes and channels.
Imagine a fish with a stunning, laterally compressed body, reaching up to 18–21 cm in length. Their vibrant yellow dorsal, caudal, and pectoral fins stand out against a sleek, white body, adorned with two striking black bands that run diagonally from head to tail. With their short snout, they are both beautiful and unmistakable—perfectly designed for their reef habitats.
A true spectacle of nature, these fish are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs and form pairs to breed. During courtship, the males put on quite the show—swimming in graceful circles and flaring their fins to catch the eye of a potential mate. If the female is impressed, she releases her eggs into the water, where the male fertilizes them. Though they typically live for 5 to 7 years, their lifespan can be affected by factors such as predation, disease, and habitat degradation.
True to their name, these fish are social creatures, living in large, bustling schools. While they primarily feast on plankton, they also play a vital role as cleaner fish. In the Maldives, they’ve been observed performing an important service—cleaning parasites from majestic Mola mola (sunfish), showing their unique place in the marine ecosystem.
