Raccoon Butterflyfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Chaetodon lunula, a large, robust species. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This is a robust species that will greedily attack and eat even large, stinging sea anemones. It is not appropriate for reef aquaria, but is a hardy, colorful species for the "fish-only" reef, with live rock and no vulnerable anemones or coral polyps. (It can quickly eat all the Aiptasia nuisance anemones in a tank, but will also nip all other tempting feather duster worms and corals with extended polyps.
On the reef it feeds primarily at night, but is also active during “light-time” hours in the aquarium. Occasionally, very small and very large individuals may have trouble acclimating to captivity.
If a specimen is reluctant to feed, place a small anemone in the tank—most individuals cannot resist nibbling on these invertebrates.
Family: Chaetodontidae
Other common name(s):
- Raccoon Butterfly
Native range:
Maximum length: 20 cm (8 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 284 L (75 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: All levels.
[edit] Feeding
Varied diet, including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysid shrimp, and frozen preparations. Feed at least 3 times daily.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
More than one adult can be kept in the same large tank, but they will chase each other, and other members of their family, on occasion—usually without damage. It is peaceful with nonrelated fish species.
[edit] Notes
Similar to Chaetodon fasciatus, the Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish.
| Common name | Raccoon Butterflyfish +, and Raccoon Butterfly + |
| Family | Chaetodontidae + |
| Genus | Chaetodon + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 8 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 75 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes + |
| Specific name | lunula + |
| Swimming level | All levels. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |