Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish

The Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish is a visually striking species distinguished by its elongated snout, which is even longer than that of its close relative Forcipiger flavissimus. Its body is a brilliant bright yellow over the majority of its surface, with a sharply contrasting dark upper head and a prominent dark spot on the anal fin. The extremely elongated, forceps-like snout is used to extract small prey from crevices and coral interstices, giving this fish a highly specialized feeding adaptation.

While the more common Forcipiger flavissimus is frequently seen in the aquarium trade, F. longirostris is considerably rarer and more prized by collectors. It can be distinguished from its relative by its longer snout, smaller mouth, and the presence of more dorsal fin spines. This species inhabits deeper reef slopes and walls where it uses its specialized snout to probe for small crustaceans, tube worm tentacles, and hydroids.

The Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish requires intermediate care and is not considered reef-safe, as it will pick at small invertebrates, tube worms, and feather dusters in the reef aquarium. It adapts well to captive life once acclimated and will accept frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods. Its dramatic appearance, fascinating feeding behavior, and rarity in the trade make it a coveted addition for experienced marine aquarists with appropriate fish-only or FOWLR systems.