Raccoon Butterflyfish
Our online and in-store inventory differ. Call the store to confirm availability before making the trip.
Raccoon Butterflyfish - Small is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Saltwater Fish Information
Genus: Chaetodon
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Reef Safe with Caution
Please note that fish behavior and care requirements may vary slightly depending on your specific tank setup. We recommend researching each species to ensure compatibility with your aquarium.
Fast Shipping with UPS Next Day Air®
Fast Shipping with UPS Next Day Air®
At Discover Aquatics, we know how crucial it is to receive your live animals and corals quickly and safely. That's why we offer fast shipping with UPS Next Day Air® for all our live orders.
This service ensures that your new marine life arrives at your doorstep as soon as possible, minimizing stress and maintaining the health and vitality of your corals and fish.
Description
Description
The Raccoon Butterflyfish, *Chaetodon lunula*, is a striking and popular addition to the marine aquarium. Its common name is derived from the distinctive black band that runs across its eyes, resembling a raccoon's mask. The body is primarily yellow with a series of dark, crescent-shaped markings along the flanks, giving it a unique and attractive appearance.
A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended for the Raccoon Butterflyfish, providing ample space for swimming and exploration. A well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock is ideal, offering hiding places and natural grazing opportunities. While generally peaceful towards other fish, they can be territorial with conspecifics or other butterflyfish. They are not considered reef-safe, as they are known to nip at stony and soft corals, as well as clam mantles.
In the wild, the Raccoon Butterflyfish primarily feeds on invertebrates and algae. In the aquarium, a varied diet is essential for their health and longevity. Offer a mix of high-quality marine flake and pellet foods, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. Supplementing their diet with marine algae or spirulina will also be beneficial. They can grow up to 8 inches in length in a home aquarium. Sexing is difficult, and breeding in captivity is not common.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Chaetodon lunula
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Carnivore
- Reef Compatibility: Semi-Reef Safe
- Region of Origin: Indo-Pacific
- Maximum Adult Size: 1.75"
- Recommended Tank Size: 75 gallons