Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish or Forcipiger flavissimus belong to the family Chaetodontidae. This family is made up of 120 species in 10 genera and includes all butterfly fish, as well as banner fish and coral fish. The habitat of this species extends from the Red Sea throughout the Indo-Pacific and east to the Hawaiian Islands. They are not as common in Hawaii, but there is a significant population near the island of Maui. This fish has one of the longest names in the Hawaiian language: La-u wi-li-wi-li nu-ku-nu-ku ‘oi’ oi. The translation breaks down into; (lau) leaf, wili-wili (tree), (nu-ku nu-ku) nose, (‘oi-‘oi) long and sharp.
The name itself, Longnose Butterflyfish, implies a fish of unique proportions. And so is the case. From the tip of its long snout to the base of its caudal fin, the body and fin structure of this fish form the general shape of a triangle. Its dorsal fins are divided into a series of feather like projections that closely resemble a Mohawk. This fish is bright yellow with a white triangle from the snout to the bottom of the head and a silver triangle from the eyes to the top of the head. There is a white patch directly under the pectoral fins. The color palette is further accentuated in black. They have markings around the eyes and just behind the silver triangle with a black “false eye” on top of the anal fin. Its caudal fins are typically transparent.
These fish have moderate care levels and benign attitudes. They are an excellent choice for hobbyists to moderately experienced aquarists. These exotic beauties are a longtime favorite among saltwater aquarium owners. They will mix well with other peace-loving fish in a multi-species environment. In the wild, they are most often found in pairs. Long-nosed pairs will vigorously defend their territories in the confines of an aquarium. This species is not very suitable for the installation of marine reefs. They will grow to an adult length of up to 9 inches. An aquarium with a minimum capacity of 75 gallons is recommended. You should also provide them with plenty of hiding places, as well as open areas to swim. These fish have an amusing habit of swimming upside down near the surface of the water when comfortable with their surroundings.
This is a carnivorous and forager species. In the wild, they use their elongated snouts to rummage in the nooks and crannies of rocks and reef formations in search of small invertebrates. Their diet consists mainly of tube worms, including; dusters, fans, coconut and spaghetti worms.
In an aquarium setting, you’ll want to provide them with plenty of live rocks as between-meal snacks. They have been known to nibble on corals and urchins in the absence of an adequate food supply. A well fed long snout will usually leave them alone.
This species may show a reluctance to eat when first introduced to an aquarium. If this were the case, try tempting them with mysis or brine shrimp. Tubiflex and bloodworms can also attract them to start feeding. A good trick to get them to accept non-living food is to wedge them into the cracks and crevices of the rocks so that they bore through them. Once properly acclimated to captive life, they will readily accept most food preparations formulated for carnivorous marine species. To maintain body weight and overall fitness and stamina, you’ll want to feed your long nose two to three times a day.