Raccoon Butterflyfish care guide
Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) — minimum tank 300 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Overview
The Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) is a moderately large butterflyfish reaching about 20 cm. The body is golden-yellow with diagonal dark stripes on the flanks and a black mask through the eye edged in white — the pattern that gives the species its common name.
Taxonomy
- Family: Chaetodontidae
- Genus: Chaetodon
- Scientific name: Chaetodon lunula
Habitat
Widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the Marquesas, and from southern Japan to Lord Howe Island. The species inhabits coral reefs, rubble zones and reef flats from 1 to 30 m depth, often roaming in pairs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 15-20 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
Diet
A diurnal omnivore that picks at coral polyps, small invertebrates and filamentous algae in the wild and also feeds heavily on glass anemones (Aiptasia). In aquaria it usually accepts a varied frozen diet (mysis, enriched brine shrimp, mussel, krill) but is less of a specialist than many congeners.
Compatibility
Generally peaceful; pairs or single specimens are best, as conspecifics fight outside bonded pairs. Compatible with peaceful marine community fish — tangs, smaller angels, wrasses and cardinals — given an established tank with abundant cover.
Reef compatibility
Not reef-safe. The species samples coral polyps, soft coral colonies, feather-duster worms and clam mantles in addition to its useful taste for Aiptasia. Suitable only for FOWLR or invertebrate-tolerant systems.
Breeding
A pelagic broadcast spawner that forms temporary monogamous pairs. Captive breeding has not been achieved at a commercial scale and aquarium-trade specimens are wild-caught.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is one of the most widespread butterflyfishes in the Indo-Pacific.