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Raccoon Butterfly
Description
Chaetodon lunula
| Chaetodon lunula, “the” raccoon butterfly. They bear black and white crescent bands over the face and eyes raccoon-mask-like imitating their terrestrial namesake. They’re similarly colored yellow, black and white on first glance, yet look closer. The Red Sea species lacks the Indo-Pacific’s caudal peduncle (the area right before the tail fin) black spot and oblique yellow stripes behind the head. Note also the differences in the Red Sea’s white masking (less), it’s bolder, more variegated body band markings, and gorgeous red margining on the unpaired fins. Though not as attractive as its namesake in the Red Sea (C. fasciatus), the Indo-Pacific Raccoon is just as hardy, and a very good choice for eating pest Aiptasia anemones in reef tanks, though it will consume coral polyps in some cases. Also used to eat Aiptasia, and though more “reef safe” than the Auriga, still not to be entirely trusted… as it also eats coral polyps on the reef. Similar in distribution as the Threadfin as well, but supplanted by another species, the Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish, Chaetodon fasciatus. |
| Maximum Size: the Chaetodon lunula grows up to 8 inches. Minimum Tank Size: The Raccoon Butterfly prefers a tank of at least 80 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim. Diet: The Chaetodon lunula is a carnivore and likes to eat variety of foods (meats & veggies). Level of Care: The Raccoon Butterfly is a medium maintenance fish. Behavior: The Raccoon Butterfly may act peacefully toward other fish. Water Conditions: Keep water quality high (SG 1.020 – 1.025, pH 8.1 – 8.4, Temp. 72 – 78 F). Range: Indo-Pacific. |
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