Care
The Caribbean Longnose Butterflyfish is known from deep coral-rich reefs and drop-offs to a depth of 90m (295ft). This species is normally solitary but is sometimes seen in pairs,feeding on a variety of small invertebrates. Unlike many of the otherchaetodontids, Caribbean Longnose Butterflyfish do not pick parasites from thebodies of other fishes. Although fish from the Prognathodes genus are often regarded as fairly difficult to keep,this particular species is one of the hardiest, generally acclimatising well and readily accepting most foods offered; nevertheless, we do only recommend these species for advanced aquarists. The Caribbean Longnose Butterflyfish is suited to large, deep, mature aquaria with plenty of live rock that forms dark nooks and crannies. Being a deepwater species, these fish do not always adapt well to intense illumination, so if the tank is brightly lit, ensure there are numerous overhangs and rocky caves where the fish can spend a good deal of time, browsing for small invertebrate life in and out of the rockwork. The elongatedsnout allows the butterflyfish to search for food morsels deep amongst the decor. Many soft corals are safe enough with a well-fed Caribbean Longnose Butterflyfish in the tank, as are small-polyp-stony (SPS) corals; however, most specimens will nibble at feather dusters, sponges, gorgonians, polychaete worms, sea urchin feet, anemones, and long-polyp-stony (LPS) corals and are capable of inflicting a fair bit of damage. As with all butterflyfishes, this species demands excellent water quality - thoroughly filtered and well-oxygenated, with areas of decent current. Keep only one specimen per tank, and not with any other butterflyfish species, to avoid territorial aggression. Tankmates should be ofa peaceful nature, otherwise, this small, shy fish may not feel confident enough to venture out for food. When challenged by a boisterous fish, rather than immediately retreating, the Caribbean Longnose Butterflyfish tends to face its aggressor with all of its stout spines angled towards it. Careful selection of tankmates should ensure that the butterfly does not feel constantly intimidated and stressed. You may also see this fish on sale as the Atlantic Longnose Butterflyfish. In the Caribbean, this species is known locally as the butterbur.
Feeding
Offer a wide variety of foods,fed in small amounts several times per day. Frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp,vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped clam/mussel/cockle/crab/shrimp/squid etc. should be given. Ensure the larger foodstuffs are chopped into small enough pieces on account of butterflyfish having tiny mouths. Garlic-enriched foods can be very beneficial for the settling in phase.
Breeding
The Caribbean Longnose Butterflyfish has not been bred in the home aquarium. In the wild, this species forms distinct pairs, and eggs are scattered in the open water.
