About Prognathodes aculeatus (Poey, 1860)
Common Name & Size
Prognathodes aculeatus, commonly called the longsnout butterflyfish, grows to an average length of 2 to 3 inches (5–7.5 cm).
Snout Morphology
It is best known for its distinctive namesake long snout, which is far more noticeable than the snouts of similar species.
Head Stripe Pattern
This species also has a dusky to yellow vertical stripe that runs from the top of its head to its eyes; unlike the stripes on other butterflyfish, this stripe does not extend past the eyes.
Body Coloration
The upper half of the longsnout butterflyfish is yellow, which transitions to orange, then darkens further to a brownish-orange shade.
Dorsal Fin Color
Its dorsal fin is usually black.
Population Abundance
This fish is fairly common across its range.
Habitat & Depth Range
It inhabits both natural and artificial reefs, most often at depths between 30 and 200 ft (10–60 m).
Geographic Distribution
It can be found off Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, in the Caribbean Sea, and off the coast of Venezuela.
