Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish

Forcipiger flavissimus

The yellow longnose butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus) is a small, elegant reef fish reaching up to 22 cm. It has a bright yellow body, a long needle-like snout resembling forceps used for picking food from tight crevices, and a black upper head with white lower face. Found across the tropical Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Hawaii, the Galapagos, and the eastern Pacific, it inhabits coral reefs, rocky areas, and reef slopes at depths of 2 to 114 meters. This species is territorial, patrolling coral patches with a monogamous partner. It feeds on small invertebrates, hydroids, and fish eggs extracted from coral crevices using its specialized snout. Its distinctive silhouette and brilliant coloration make it instantly recognizable and a popular subject for underwater photography.