Longnose Butterflyfish
The Longnose Butterflyfish is a distinctive reef fish known for its bright yellow coloration, bold facial markings, and unmistakably long, narrow snout. Its specialized mouth allows it to probe deep into rockwork and crevices in search of small crustaceans and other foods, giving it interesting and constantly active feeding behavior.
Colorful, graceful, and full of personality, the Longnose Butterflyfish makes an impressive addition to an established marine aquarium.
🟢 Quarantined (Minimum 2 Weeks) – Fully Conditioned & Eating
Quick Facts
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe with Caution
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
- Size: Up to approximately 8 inches
- Scientific Name: Forcipiger flavissimus
What Makes This Fish Special?
The Longnose Butterflyfish is immediately recognizable by its elongated snout, bright yellow body, and contrasting black-and-white facial markings. Its unusual body shape makes it stand out even in a colorful reef display.
The long snout isn't just for appearance—it allows the fish to reach into narrow cracks and crevices in the rockwork while searching for food.
Once established and eating prepared foods consistently, Longnose Butterflyfish can become active, highly visible aquarium residents that spend much of the day exploring the rockwork.
Behavior & Husbandry
Longnose Butterflyfish are generally peaceful and can be maintained with a wide variety of non-aggressive marine fish.
Provide plenty of established rockwork for exploration and shelter while leaving ample open swimming space.
They may be shy when first introduced, so avoiding overly aggressive tankmates and ensuring the fish receives adequate food are particularly important during acclimation.
Feeding & Diet
Carnivorous and benefits from a varied diet of high-quality marine foods.
What We Feed at Lush Corals:
- Frozen mysis shrimp
- Enriched brine shrimp
- Other appropriately sized frozen foods
- High-quality prepared foods
In Your Aquarium:
- Frozen mysis
- Enriched brine shrimp
- Chopped marine foods
- Other small meaty foods
Multiple smaller feedings throughout the day are beneficial, particularly while the fish is becoming established in a new aquarium.
Compatibility Notes
Compatible with:
- Tangs
- Wrasses
- Clownfish
- Gobies
- Blennies
- Many other peaceful and moderately assertive marine fish
Reef Safe with Caution: Longnose Butterflyfish are generally considered one of the more reef-compatible butterflyfish, but they are not completely trustworthy in a reef aquarium. Individuals may pick at certain corals, worms, and small ornamental invertebrates.
Use particular caution with:
- Feather duster worms
- Small crustaceans and other ornamental invertebrates
- Corals if occasional picking cannot be tolerated
Individual behavior can vary.
Lush Corals Quarantine Process
This fish has completed our quarantine process and is fully conditioned prior to sale.
Each fish is:
- Carefully inspected upon arrival
- Proactively treated and observed
- Monitored for health and behavior
- Conditioned to eat prepared foods
- Evaluated to ensure a strong feeding response
This helps ensure your fish arrives healthy, feeding, and well-adjusted, giving you a strong start in your aquarium.
