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The Long Nose Butterfly Fish is instantly recognisable thanks to its striking colour contrast: a bright yellow body paired with a long, narrow snout and a dark face mask. This beak-like nose is not just for show—it’s an evolutionary feature that helps it pick out small crustaceans and coral polyps from tight crevices. It typically grows to around 20cm in length and is known for its calm demeanour, making it a great tankmate in community reef setups. What makes this species especially fascinating is its ability to change colour slightly depending on mood or health, often darkening when stressed. Watching one glide through a tank is like having a piece of the reef right in your living room. I’ll never forget the first time I spotted one in my local aquarium shop—its vibrant colours instantly hooked me, sparking my journey into understanding its care needs. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your long nose butterfly fish thriving, from tank setup to feeding and health tips.
Choosing Your Long Nose Butterfly Fish
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Setting Up the Perfect Tank
Long Nose Butterfly Fish require a well-established tank of at least 100 litres, though 150 litres or more is preferable for long-term care. The tank should have plenty of live rock with caves and crevices to mimic their natural environment and provide grazing areas. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 26°C, with a pH of 8.1–8.4 and salinity at 1.023–1.025. This species prefers moderate to strong flow, helping replicate reef-like conditions and keeping the tank oxygenated. It’s crucial to ensure your tank is stable, as Butterfly Fish are sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry. Protein skimmers and regular water changes will help maintain pristine water quality. Avoid aggressive tankmates; instead, opt for peaceful companions like gobies, wrasses, or tangs. A slow acclimation process using drip methods is advised to reduce stress when introducing the fish.
Feeding Your Long Nose Butterfly Fish
Feeding the Long Nose Butterfly Fish requires a little attention to detail, but once settled, they are not difficult to feed. In the wild, they pick at coral polyps, small crustaceans, and worms. In captivity, they adapt well to a diet of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and specially formulated marine fish pellets. Aim to feed them small portions 2–3 times daily, ensuring they are actually eating and the food isn’t being snatched by faster tankmates. A varied diet helps them retain their vibrant colouration and stay healthy. If you’re feeding frozen food, be sure it’s fully thawed and rinsed to prevent excess nutrients polluting the water. Over time, you may even see your fish use its long nose to “hunt” in the rockwork—a natural and enriching behaviour. For finicky eaters, garlic-based attractants or vitamin-enriched foods can help stimulate appetite and boost immunity.
Health and Maintenance
Long Nose Butterfly Fish are generally hardy once acclimated, but they can be susceptible to common marine diseases such as Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and flukes. One of the first signs of trouble is a sudden change in colour, laboured breathing, or excessive scratching against rocks. A quarantine tank is highly recommended for new arrivals and for treating any illnesses that arise. Maintain stable water parameters and ensure proper nutrition to keep their immune system strong. Weekly water tests, monthly water changes of 20–25%, and filter maintenance will go a long way in preventing health issues. If you notice white spots or frayed fins, act quickly with reef-safe treatments and consult your local marine specialist. Prevention is key—so avoid overcrowding, and never skip acclimation or water quality checks.
Caring for a long nose butterfly fish takes some effort, but the payoff is immense. With the right tank setup, a tasty and varied diet, and a bit of TLC, you’ll have a dazzling centrepiece for your aquarium. Got any questions or your own long nose tales? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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