Blacknosed Butterflyfish

Blacknosed Butterflyfish (Johnrandallia nigrirostris) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its silver-gray body with a bold black stripe running across the snout, contrasting fins, and laterally compressed, streamlined shape. This species is native to the eastern Pacific, particularly around Central America, Mexico, and nearby reef systems, and is valued for its unique snout pattern and active swimming behavior.

Males typically grow slightly larger and display more pronounced coloration during courtship, while females/juveniles remain smaller and have subtler markings until maturity. They reach about 5–6 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75 gallons, providing ample swimming space and stable conditions.

Provide live rock with crevices for hiding, open swimming space, and a secure lid since butterflyfish may jump when startled. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity 1.020–1.025, temperature 72–79°F, pH 8.1–8.4) to ensure health and longevity.

Diet should consist of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, high-quality marine pellets, and occasional algae-based foods. With proper care, this species makes a unique and eye-catching addition to the marine aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.