Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its vibrant yellow body, long and slender black snout, and striking black face mask contrasted by a bright white chest and belly. Its unique body shape and extended snout allow it to pick food from hard-to-reach crevices, making it a fascinating fish to observe. Males typically may be slightly larger and exhibit more vivid coloration during courtship or territorial displays, while females/juveniles are usually smaller and slightly less intense in coloration until full maturity. They reach about 8 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons.

Provide plenty of live rock with crevices for foraging, open swimming space, and a few hiding spots to mimic their natural reef habitat. Maintain stable water conditions: salinity 1.020–1.025, temperature 72–79°F, and pH 8.1–8.4. A secure lid is recommended, as they are known to jump, especially when first introduced or startled.

Diet should consist of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, sponge-based foods, marine pellets, and algae-based preparations. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, coral polyps, and plankton, so offering a varied and nutrient-rich diet is key. They are generally reef-safe with caution, as individuals may occasionally nip at coral polyps or small sessile inverts, though many aquarists report success in mixed-reef environments with close monitoring.

With their elegant profile, peaceful temperament, and active foraging behavior, the Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish makes a standout addition to well-established fish-only or carefully selected reef aquariums.

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.