Wimplefish

Wimplefish

This story is of the Wimplefish, one of a species of eight in the genus Heniochus, in the family of butterflyfishes. Almost all of the Heniochus look quite a bit alike, especially with the short-to-long fin that arches over the back. This Heniochus genus is an attractive lot, with our Wimplefish and the “Poor Man’s Moorish Idol” so close in appearance that when there are no more Wimplefish left to sell, the Moorish Idol is sold in its place. Even though they are both beautiful, flat, with large black stripes, and sporting a soaring fin, they are different. The Moorish Idol is not in the Heniochus genus; it is very expensive, and much more vulnerable, that is, fragile, than our Wimplefish, which is very cheap, has little trouble surviving, and is not afraid to be alone. You see, the Heniochus genus of eight species (like an ethnic group) is very social like its family, the butterflyfishes. This genus Heniochus is unlike the other members of the butterflyfish family in appearance but alike in social behavior, traveling as a pair or more--up to a few hundred individuals. The acuminatus (our Wimplefish) are the most common, most peaceful of the genus Heniochus from the butterflyfish family The Wimplefish, or the Heniochus acuminatus (genus and species), is the only Heniochus that can make it through life in a tank alone. It adjusts, in other words. In the sea, it does what the others do; it has a partner or a group.

Feather Sticking Back

Now remember that eight Heniochus do look alike, most of them with a long fin. The long fin gave birth to the choice of the German word wimple as that word is also used to describe a type of German hat with a backward-leaning feather. Maybe you’ve seen that cute little hat with a feather sticking back over the top. The fin is likened to the feather. That’s a nice image and a good little name (by the way, also used for the Wimple’s piranha). Wimple is the German word for a banner or pendant. There are plenty of other names you can call our Wimplefish of the month such as “Pennantfish,” “Pennant coralfish,” “Coachman,” and “Bannerfish.”

Size and Habitat

The Wimplefish grows to about eight inches in the sea. Its genus is widespread, from the central Pacific to the east coast of Africa, Andaman Sea and Mabul, Malaysia, and a saltwater inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Saudi Arabia called “the Red Sea.” Well, our little fish travels to so many interesting places that seem like fun and we hope you enjoy them. If you want to comment or add anything, we would love to hear from you. Our email is MoodTank@waiting-room-fishtanks.