Mariposa de banco (Prognathodes aya) is a deep water Western Atlantic Butterflyfish that we rarely see. Despite being close to our own turf often times these beautiful fish head to the Asian market where the current interest in Atlantic marine life has continued to grow and continues to pay top dollar. To the right is a [...]
Mariposa de banco (Prognathodes aya) is a deep water Western Atlantic Butterflyfish that we rarely see. Despite being close to our own turf often times these beautiful fish head to the Asian market where the current interest in Atlantic marine life has continued to grow and continues to pay top dollar. To the right is a map showing the range, in red, of Prognathodes aya [Click Image to Enlarge]. The Bank Butterfly inhabits reefs from 20-170m deep, but is rarely found at less than 45m, taking a skilled diver for collection.
As we previously reported, many Atlantic juvenile fish are swept north and it’s believed P. aya occasionally gets tossed in with this mix. It’s not unknown for them to be spotted in the Carolinas.
12-14 large dorsal spines, balanced by beautiful long pelvic fins gives this fish a unique look. I believe the beauty is in the shape and simplicity of color. The best part is, P.aya readily adapts to captivity unlike many other Chaetodontids.
Bank Butterflies, like these from Blue Harbor, can easily fetch over $500 each in the Japanese and Asian Markets. All 6 of these beauties together would make a stunning deep water display.
