Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish

Forcipiger flavissimus

Also called Forcepsfish, Forceps butterflyfish, Longnose butterflyfish

SpeciesShort profile

From Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific: East Africa and the Red Sea east to Hawaii and Easter Island, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island, and from southern Baja California to the Galapagos1

At a glance the quick version

Length22 to 23 cm1 2 3

Lifespanup to 18 years1

Sizemedium

FishBase gives a maximum reported age of 18 years

Long tweezer-like snout

Bright yellow colouring

Forms long-lasting pairs

3 2

Looks how to spot one

Compressed, disc-shaped reef butterflyfish with a very long snout

A bright yellow, flattened body topped by a dark upper head and a pale lower head and chest. Its standout feature is a long, thin snout that works like needle-nose pliers for picking food out of narrow gaps.3 2

Coloursyellowwhiteblack3

Personality what they are like

Peaceful toward most tankmates. In the wild pairs hold a patch of reef together and use sounds to mark their territory against neighbours of the same kind.3 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A steady, active swimmer that spends the day exploring rockwork and poking its snout into crevices for food.3 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Rated moderate care. Best in fish-only aquariums with peaceful tankmates, since it may pick at corals and small sessile invertebrates. Acclimate slowly.3

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 125 US gallons (about 475 L) with plenty of live rock. Saltwater at 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Wild fish live on exposed seaward and lagoon reefs from the surface to about 145 m.3 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A carnivore. Offer varied meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, chopped crustacean meat and frozen marine preparations. In the wild it plucks tube feet, urchin pincers, worm tentacles, small crustaceans and fish eggs.3 1

Company who they like around

Lives alone or in small groups of up to about five, with adults usually in pairs. Pair bonds can last seven years or more.1 2

The story where it all began

David Starr Jordan and Joseph McGregor described the species in 1898. It is a well-known aquarium fish and, according to FishBase, one of Hawaii's leading aquarium-trade exports.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Pairs can stay together for seven years or longer.2
2
It produces sounds with body movements to advertise how big its territory is.2
3
Its range stretches from the Red Sea all the way to Easter Island and the Galapagos.1
4
It has been recorded as deep as about 145 m.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water testevery week
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Glass cleanevery week

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Offer only what it can eat in a few minutes to keep water quality good.3 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It is a carnivore that enjoys varied meaty foods like mysis shrimp, chopped crustacean meat, and frozen marine preparations. Never feed it corals or small sessile invertebrates, as it may pick at them in the tank.3 1

How much space does a Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish need?

A tank of at least 125 US gallons (about 475 L) is recommended, with plenty of live rock for exploring. This gives it room to swim and hide.3 1

What temperature, light or water does a Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish need?

Keep saltwater at 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Normal aquarium lighting is fine, and it needs stable water conditions.3 1

How often should I clean a Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly and doing a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Test water weekly and top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish live with others?

Yes, it is peaceful toward most tankmates. It can live alone, in small groups of up to five, or in pairs that may bond for years. Avoid aggressive fish and corals.3 2 1

How long does a Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish live?

With good care, it can live up to 18 years. This depends on diet, water quality, and tank conditions.1

Can I handle a Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish?

It is best not to handle this fish. It is delicate and easily stressed. Always use a net if you need to move it, and acclimate slowly to new water.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Forcipiger flavissimus, Forcepsfish fishbase.seused for length, distribution, depth, habitat, diet, pairing, lifespan, IUCN status, describer
Wikipedia: Forcipiger flavissimus en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, length, pair bonds, territorial sounds, history
LiveAquaria: Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish liveaquaria.comused for aquarium care, tank size, water parameters, temperament, diet, colours

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.