A novel chemosensor based on calix[4]pyrrole derivative modified by Bodipy unit has been synthesized, and its complexes with various anions were investigated. The results show that the receptors can selectively recognize biologically important fluoride ions. The binding affinity for fluoride ions was investigated by naked-eye color change, absorption, emission, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The addition of fluoride ions to an acetonitrile solution of chemosensor can result in an obvious color change (brownish yellow color to straw yellow). The stoichiometries between the receptor and fluoride were determined from the molar ratio plots using the UV-visible spectra, which showed evident 1:1. The proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data supported the fluoride anion recognition with the disappearance of the amino proton peaks. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.