Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish 

Also known as Forceps Butterflyfish, Longnose Butterflyfish

The Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish is a stunning and popular species displaying bright yellow coloration with an extremely elongated snout used for picking food from tight crevices. While challenging to maintain, this beautiful butterflyfish is highly valued for both its appearance and its effectiveness at controlling Aiptasia anemones.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Forcipiger flavissimus
• Common Names: Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish, Forceps Fish, Longnose Butterflyfish
• Adult Size: Up to 9 inches (including long snout)
• Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful but territorial toward conspecifics
• Reef Compatibility: With caution; generally reef safe but may nip at some invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Moderate to advanced; requires attention to feeding

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide live rock with abundant crevices and natural food sources. This species uses its elongated snout to probe tight spaces for food. Requires well-established, mature tanks with stable conditions.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Good to excellent water quality is important
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Quality protein skimmer
  • Efficient filtration system
  • Moderate water circulation These maintain the stable conditions this species prefers.

Diet & Feeding 

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish can be moderately challenging to feed initially. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets (once acclimated)
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped clams, marine cuisine, vitamin-soaked foods
• Live Foods: Live blackworms, live brine shrimp, Aiptasia anemones (helpful for initial feeding)
• Natural Foraging: Benefits from live rock with tube worms, small crustaceans, microfauna
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily once eating consistently
• Special Note: May take time to accept prepared foods; patience is important

Notes & Considerations

• Bright yellow coloration makes it one of the most visually striking butterflyfish.
• Effective at controlling Aiptasia anemones; often added for this specific purpose.
• Elongated snout is specialized for picking food from tight crevices and coral heads.
• Generally reef safe but may occasionally nip at tube worms and small invertebrates.
• Territorial toward other Longnose Butterflyfish; only one per tank unless mated pair.
• Generally peaceful toward other species; good community fish.
• Secure aquarium lid recommended; can jump when stressed.
• Delicate snout can be damaged during shipping or by aggressive tankmates.
• Does best in peaceful tanks without aggressive or boisterous species.
• Moderately hardy once acclimated and feeding well.

Why Choose a Quarantined Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish? 

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this beautiful and functional species.