Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish

The Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus) is a captivating marine species renowned for its distinctive elongated snout and vibrant yellow coloration. Its unique appearance and generally peaceful nature make it a popular choice among aquarists.

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Color Form: Bright yellow body with a black facial mask and a prominent eyespot near the tail
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Compatible: With caution
• Water Conditions:
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
  • Temperature: 72-78°F
  • dKH: 8-12
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
• Max. Size: Approximately 8.7 inches (22 cm)
• Family: Chaetodontidae
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Guidelines: The Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish thrives in well-established aquariums of at least 125 gallons, providing ample space for swimming and territories. Incorporate plenty of live rock formations to offer hiding spots and grazing surfaces. While generally peaceful, they may exhibit territorial behavior towards conspecifics and similar-looking species; thus, it's advisable to keep them singly unless in a compatible pair.

Diet: In the wild, their diet includes small crustaceans, fish eggs, and various invertebrates. In captivity, offer a varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality frozen preparations. Feeding small amounts multiple times daily can help meet their nutritional needs.

Reef Compatibility: Exercise caution when introducing this species to reef aquariums, as they may nip at stony and soft coral polyps, as well as sessile invertebrates. Monitoring their behavior and ensuring they are well-fed can help mitigate potential issues.

Compatibility: Generally peaceful, the Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish coexists well with other non-aggressive species. Avoid housing them with aggressive tank mates or other butterflyfish to prevent stress and territorial disputes.

By adhering to these care guidelines, the Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish can become a vibrant and intriguing addition to your marine aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and unique behaviors.