longnose butterfly fish

[atoz]

I'm thinking of getting a longnose butterfly fish and need some questions answered. 1- are they a hardy fish that do well in captivity? 2- what do they perfer to eat? and do they get along with most fish and crabs?

 

[jcb]

Here's some info that should help you out! According to this one guide book I'm reading, the yellow longnose butterfly IS a hardy fish. He will begin accepting food within hours after you introduce him to your tank. He should be fed a variety of foods: crustacean flesh, mysid shrimp, and other meaty frozen foods. As far as if they get along well with others, it says here they prefer a peaceful community tank, but can do okay with moderately aggresive tank mates.
Hope this helps!...

 

[porkypuffer]

I'D HAVE TO AGREE WITH SAMMYSTINGRAY, I'VE NEVER HAD ONE BUT EVERYTHING THAT I'VE READ SAID THEY'RE A LITTLE MORE DIFFICALT TO KEEP.

 

[jcb]

Okay, guys. I'm not at all questioning your knowledge of fishkeeping, for it is obvious that you have plenty. But the info I was giving atoz comes from a book written by a man named Scott W. Micheal, internationally recogized for his expertise in fishes of the coral reef. He states that the info he provides comes not only from his personal experiences but also from those of both professional and amateur aquarists (many of them). The list of those experts that helped him by sharing their knowledge is quite extensive. After having thoroughly read this book, this man has definitely won my respect and trust. And therefore, I was merely trying to relay some of that info to atoz.

 

[mr . salty]

I just added a Raccoon butterfly to my 125 friday. Too soon to say(knock on wood) but he seems to be getting along fine. Hope he makes it,I haven't had very good luck in the last two weeks. Lost my dwarf lionfish,and my cleaner shrimp got just a little too close to my carpet anemone. I looked all over for him,then I saw two white antenna comming out of his mouth. Just appreciated the value of the carpet buy $17. STEVE

 

[tjswanson]

Everything I have read says that certain butterfly fish can be kept (including the longnose), but almost all the accounts I have heard are just the opposite. I would be EXTREMELY careful about selecting any butterfly. Make sure they are eating and have NO external parasites. Steve I want to see pics of the raccoon butterfly and tell us if you have luck with him. I think the Raccoon is one of the most interesting butterflies.TJ

 

[mr . salty]

There is one pic of him on my site. Still can't get a good shot of my coral beauty,He's a very dark purple,and blends in too much with the rock. STEVE

 

[purplepuffer]

I was told that they are not very finicky, that they get along well, but just that butterfly fish don't last very long in the aquarium, kinda like tha cleaner wrasses. The butterfly is doing just dandy one day and the next day, gone. But while you have it, I have heard that they are wuite easy to care for.
~~Megan

 

[derrickt]

The longnose is one of the hardier butterflies with the Racoon and the Klein's. Also, remember that hardiness depends on the condition of the fish at the dealer and what part of the world it came from--Red Sea/Hawaii/Xmas/Cook butterflies seem to adapt well in captivity. Supposedly my Longnose came from the Western Pacific. He ate live worms immediately after acclimation and is doing very well now.

 

[nasukan]

I bought a longnose butterfly last week, and he is doing great. He didn't hide after acclimation, and ate first time I fed him. He eats bloodworms and Formula 1 ravenously, but tends to spit flakes out. I have heard that they are the best butterfly for a beginner, and that they require a little bit of extra attention. I think the latter is further from the truth. I posted about one recently, and I think Pufferlover(not sure) used one to cycle his tank, but his died suddenly aftera few years.