Common name: Oblique butterflyfish

General information

The Oblique Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Prognathodes obliquus, is a lesser-known species in the aquarium trade, primarily due to its rarity and deepwater habitat. This species is distinguished by its striking coloration, featuring a yellow body with a broad, oblique band of white running diagonally from the dorsal fin to the lower part of the body, intersected by thin, vertical blue lines.

Care

Prognathodes obliquus requires a specialized aquarium setup that mimics its natural deepwater environment. They are best suited for advanced aquarists who can provide a stable, well-oxygenated tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. This species is not considered reef-safe as it may nip at stony and soft corals, as well as sessile invertebrates.

Reproduction

Little is known about the breeding habits of the Oblique Butterflyfish in the wild or in captivity. They are presumed to be pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs.

Habitat

Prognathodes obliquus is found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to the northern Gulf of Mexico, and down to Brazil. They inhabit deep reef slopes and walls, typically at depths ranging from 60 to 180 meters (200 to 600 feet), which makes them less accessible to divers and aquarists.