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Bank butterflyfish

Prognathodes aya

Bank butterflyfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Bank butterflyfish (Prognathodes aya) is a small, colorful reef dweller prized by photographers rather than anglers. It frequents coral ledges and rubble, feeding on small invertebrates, and is rarely targeted for food.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Chaetodontidae

Max Size

15 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

20-170m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

May to September (warm tropical water)

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon when plankton activity peaks

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Bank butterflyfish

  • Use a light 2‑4 lb test line to avoid spooking the fish
  • Tackle a small, ultra‑light spinning rod (5‑6 ft) with a 4‑5 wt fluorocarbon leader
  • Employ tiny live baits such as shrimp or use micro soft plastics like tiny shrimp‑style lures
  • Approach reefs slowly and cast near ledges or overhangs, allowing the lure to drift just above the substrate

Top Fishing Locations for Bank butterflyfish

Christmas Island Marine Park

Australia
intermediate78% Very Common

Remote island with abundant coral ledges where Bank butterflyfish are abundant on reef walls.

Best: May-September

Baa Atoll Marine Reserve

Maldives
beginner70% Very Common

Protected atoll with pristine coral gardens; Bank butterflyfish frequently seen cruising the outer reef slopes.

Best: November-March

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Philippines
expert65% Common

World‑heritage dive site where dense schooling of reef fish includes Bank butterflyfish on steep drop‑offs.

Best: March-June

Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

Palau
intermediate55% Common

Iconic karst islands with clear waters; Bank butterflyfish often hover around the reef channels.

Best: May-October

Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt
beginner40% Occasional

Red Sea flagship reef; Bank butterflyfish appear on outer reef walls during the cooler months.

Best: October-April

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Reserve

Australia
intermediate30% Occasional

Isolated Indian Ocean territory; Bank butterflyfish are present but require effort to locate.

Best: April-September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Bank butterflyfish

Recommended Equipment

RodUltra‑light spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro soft plastic shrimp or tiny jigs (1‑2 in), optional UV‑bright lures
TechniqueLight drift/reel‑in near reef ledges with a slow retrieve

Best bait: Small live shrimp or zooplankton chunks