Fin's Fish Guide
The Scythe butterflyfish (Prognathodes falcifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The scythe butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a deep, white body with two yellow bands and a conspicuous black, scythe-shaped oblique band over the flank. It usually lives solitary on deeper rocky, boulder-strewn bottoms and deep reefs, often well below normal diving depth. It feeds on small zooplankton and small bottom invertebrates picked from the substrate. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Scythe butterflyfish?
The Scythe butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Black, sickle-shaped oblique band across the flank; solitary coral butterflyfish of deep rocky bottoms.
Where does the Scythe butterflyfish live?
The Scythe butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; deeper rocky bottoms and reefs.
How big does the Scythe butterflyfish get?
The Scythe butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Scythe butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Scythe butterflyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Scythe butterflyfish edible?
The Scythe butterflyfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Prognathodes
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Scythe butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Scythe butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.