African Marcellae butterflyfish

[snorvich]

I don't know this fish. Is it reef safe to LPS, SPS, and invertebrates e.g. shrimp?

 

[DFS]

Steve,

This is the fist time I have handled this rare West African deepwater butterfly. From my experience with most fish of the genus Prognathodes, they are safe with ornamental crustaceans, and are generally reef safe with most LPS and SPS corals. According to Scott Michael, individuals of this genus have, on rare occasions, been observed taking a liking to Trachyphyllia spp. brain corals and gorgonians if they are not well fed.

I would exercise caution if you are considering maintaining deepwater Prognathodes in your reef aquarium and be prepared to remove the fish if problems arise.

Regards,
Kevin Kohen
Director of LiveAquaria
Drs. Foster and Smith

 

[achillesheel]

this is also supposed to be a cooler water species. high 60's-low 70's is my understanding

 

[DFS]

achillesheel,

Thank you for your input on this deepwater butterfly and you bring up a very good point. Almost all deepwater fish harvested for the marine aquarium trade prefer cooler water temperatures in the low 70's.

Regards,
Kevin Kohen