Extra Longnose Butterflyfish

(Forcipiger longirostris)

Forcipiger Butterflyfish should be added to large well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and hiding. Forcipiger Butterflyfish use their long noses to explore cracks and crevices for food and may pick at soft corals, tube worms, crustaceans and clam mantles if not well fed. This genus of Butterflyfish are also known to readily destroy Aiptasia anemones. However, if other preferred foods are available may ignore the pests. A diet of meaty foods including live fortified Brine and mysis shrimp and black or red worms should be provided. If not readily eating try pressing foods into holes or crevices mimicing their natural feeding habits. Forcipiger Butterflyfish are generally considered peaceful however, should be kept singly or a male/female pair and will battle over their territory with others of the same genus.

The Longnose Butterflyfish is also known as the Big Longnose or Big Forceps Butterflyfish. Somewhat common in the aquarium trade. Longnose Butterflyfish have very similar color as the Yellow Longnose Butterfly. They are bright yellow color with a dusky colored upper face area with the lower half being white. They also have a black false eyespot. This species is different as it exhibits dark spots on their chest. Longnose Butterflyfish can grow to almost 9".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 75 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium