Longnose Butterfly
Forcipiger longirostris
Longnose Butterfly

Identification: Its coloration is white on the underside of the head and black on the upper part of the head and forehead. The body, dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are bright yellow, the tail is clear to black and a black eye spot appears on the anal fin. 

Maximum Length: approximately 7-8 inches.

Origin: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea

Minimum tank size:  75 Gallon

Behavior: This species is of medium hardiness and thus not recommended for the beginner aquarist. This species makes a good community aquarium fish because it generally does not show aggression towards other species although it may be aggressive with other butterfly fish. 

Feeding and diet:  Once acclimated to the aquarium environment, it will feed on a variety of prepared foods and will generally do very well. More specifically, it will feed upon bloodworms, brine shrimp and algae preparations with particularly finicky specimens needing live food such as black worms or brine shrimp to get them feeding initially. 

Reef Compatibility: This species does not make a good reef aquarium fish because it will eat coral polyps.

Cautions: Keep one per tank unless a male-female pair. May quarrel with some other butterfly's.

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