Bank Butterflyfish

Bank Butterflyfish (Prognathodes aya) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its bold golden-yellow body, contrasting dark diagonal band across the eye, and striking black edging along the fins. Native to the western Atlantic, particularly the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, this butterflyfish is considered somewhat rare in the aquarium trade, making it a prized species for collectors.

Males typically grow slightly larger with stronger body mass and may display bolder coloration during breeding, while females/juveniles remain smaller with more subdued tones. They reach about 6–7 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons, providing ample space for swimming and stable conditions.

Provide plenty of live rock with caves and crevices for hiding, open swimming space, and a secure lid since butterflyfish can jump when startled. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity 1.020–1.025, temperature 72–79°F, pH 8.1–8.4) to ensure long-term health.

Diet should consist of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, high-quality marine pellets, and occasional algae-based foods. With proper care, this species makes a rare and striking centerpiece in a large marine aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.