2. Size: the yellow longnose butterflyfish averages at 8
inches. The largest scientifically measured one is
8.7 inches.
Weight: about 2 ounces.
Coloring: mostly yellow body with a black and white
head and a black spot on the tail.
Unique Features: its flat body allows it to swim
through narrow escape routes on the reef; also,
the black spot on its tail confuses predators so
they do not know whether they see the head or
the tail.
3. This species of fish can be found in the Red Sea,
Australia, the Galápagos Islands, Hawaii, and
worldwide.
4. Yellow longnose butterflyfish
enjoy reef with lots of coral,
caves, and ledges. However,
they live deeper in the water
and are not commonly seen.
5. Yellow longnose butterflyfish are endangered
because of two reasons. Their predators are
larger fish, eels and sharks. However, humans
are a problem as well. We use butterflyfish as
household pets in aquariums, causing less to be
in the wild.
7. Females release their eggs in the water. The
eggs go along with the current until they are
ready to hatch into fry. Fry become juveniles.
Juvenile grow into adults and continue mate for
the rest of their lives, living in pairs.
8. The average years a yellow longnose
butterflyfish will live is 5 to 10 years.
9. • Tad in Finding Nemo is a yellow longnose
butterflyfish
• The oldest yellow longnose butterflyfish lived
for 18 years.
• The bright colors of the fish help with
camouflage in the coral reef
11. The yellow longnose butterflyfish has been in its
current form for at least 116 years when it was
discovered by D.S. Jordan and E.A. McGregor. Its
closest living relatives happen to be in the same
genus as it, the forcipiger longirostris and the
forcipiger wanai.
