Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula)

The Raccoon Butterflyfish or Chaetodon lunula has the amazing ability to turn its colors darker and take on a blotchy appearance to blend in to its surrounding at night or when threatened. Also known as the Crescent-masked Butterflyfish or the Lunule Butterflyfish this species of Butterflyfish from the Chaetodontidae family can grow up to 8" (20 cm) in length.

The Raccoon Butterflyfish is just one of the over 100 different species of Butterflyfish and are often found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region around shallow reefs. Raccoon Butterflyfish are nocturnal and often found in pairs or small groups, apparently they get lonely very easily! They feed on nudibranchs, tubeworm tentacles, and other benthic invertebrates, algae and coral polyps. They can be fed flake food in an aquarium setting. Although not considered to be an extremely aggressive fish they should not be put into a tank with Lionfish or Triggerfish and they do not get along.

These saltwater fish are sometimes kept as pets in an aquarium setting (at least 70 gallons) where they can live up to 8 years! A lot of aquarium owners use this fish to get rid of Aiptasia and Majano sea anemones pests. They normally eliminate them in under a month!

If you have any tips or other facts about the Raccoon Butterflyfish please leave them below in the comments...


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