Poey’s Butterflyfish is an Exception to the Prognathodes Rule

The wonderful Prognathodes aculeatus, or Poey’s Butterflyfish, happens to be my favorite species of butterflyfish in the world. This beautiful Prognathodes species originates from the tropical Western Atlantic and can be found off the coast of Florida all the way…

Rare Prognathodes geminus Photographed in Stunning Detail

It’s been less than two years since Prognathodes geminus was minted a distinct species from the other barred deepwater butterflyfish and today we have some of the first live images of this species in an aquarium setting. Collected by Cairns Marine…

Prognathodes obliquus Subject of Deep Ecology Study [Video]

The oblique butterflfyfish, Prognathodes obliquus is a striking species of marine fish with a very unique pattern and also a true micro-endemic. Like the Clipperton Angelfish we covered last week, the oblique butterflyfish is known only from one group of…

Prognathodes geminus is the Newest Species of Butterflyfish

Prognathodes geminus is the newest species of butterflyfish from a genus that haunts the abyssal depths of the oceans. Closely related to Prognathodes guezei and P. basabei, the new ‘Gemini’ butterflyfish is so named for its very close resemblance to other members…

Prognathodes basabei, or orange margin butterfly, now officially described

Although known to exist for over 20 years and even referenced quite a few times here at Reef Builders, a new species of deep-water butterflyfish from the mesophotic reefs of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument was finally described today by…

Prognathodes “basabei” in serene Kyoto

Once regarded as the former capital of Japan, Kyoto relinquished its title to the anagrammatic Tokyo in 1868. Today, Kyoto is known for its serene and tranquil landscapes peppered extensively with shinto shrines, temples and historical culture. This geographical icon of…

Opulent Osaka Part 1: Makoto Matsuoka’s decade old Prognathodes collection

We just got back from a three day trip to Osaka and if you’re a fish lover, you’re going to want to keep your eyes peeled and attention focused on this page for the next week at least. Japan as…

Prognathodes: more than meets the Aya

The following is a guest contribution from Joe Oliver, a resident Marine Biologist for the Curacao Sea Aquarium and Substation Curacao. The Banks Butterflyfish (Prognathodes aya) and its relative the French or Three-Banded Butterflyfish (Prognathodes guyanensis), are both striking deepwater butterflyfish that…

Video updates on BlueHarbor’s Roa excelsa and Prognathodes basabei

It has been a few weeks since the butterflyfish demigods landed in BlueHarbor, and we’re pleased to report that they are doing amazing. We first caught wind of these fish while they were still with Rufus Kimura, and then again…

Prognathodes guyanensis, the French butterflyfish is another exquisitely rare reef beauty coming to the Diver’s Den

Prognathodes guyanensis, also known as the French butterflyfish is up for two honors – it may well be one of the nicest species of tropical Prognathodes butterflyfish, and certainly the nicest in the Caribbean and it is also one of the…