Raccoon Butterflyfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific Ocean: from the coasts of East Africa and Madagascar, up to Hawaii and Polynesia. Inhabits shallow lagoons, coral reef flats, and seaward reef slopes, often swimming close to large rock formations (0-30 meters).

Taxonomy and Morphology: Known as the Raccoon Butterflyfish. Presents the typical morphology of the Chaetodontidae family: oval, laterally compressed disc-shaped body. The snout is prominent but not overly tubular as in Chelmon. Reaches about 20 cm (8 inches) in length in the wild and in large tanks.

Social Behavior: An animal with predominantly nocturnal habits in the wild, where it gathers in dormant schools by day to disperse and hunt at night. In the aquarium, it easily reverses its sleep-wake rhythm. Peaceful and calm, it prefers to slowly patrol the perimeter of the tank. Fears hyperactive fish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The "raccoon" moniker comes from the thick and conspicuous white-bordered black mask covering its eyes, and a broad black saddle on the nape. The body fades from golden yellow on the lower half to a dark brownish-yellow dorsally, with a reddish crossed-stripe pattern. Black spot at the base of the tail. No dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 400 liters (105 gallons), structured with plenty of Live Rock to form wide vaults and shaded passages, essential to accommodate its shy and nocturnal nature. Free swimming space must be abundant. Lighting should not be harsh, at least during the first weeks of introduction.

Diet and Feeding: Nocturnal micropredator specialized in hard coral polyps, nudibranchs, and benthic algae. Excellent biological exterminator of the dreaded Aiptasia and even fireworms (if not too large). In the aquarium, it is highly adaptable: devours brine shrimp, mysis, opened clams, and soon accepts dry flake feeds.

Water Quality: Hardier than many other butterflyfish, it tolerates slight chemical fluctuations. Specific gravity 1.021-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, Temperature 24-28 °C (75-82 °F). Filtration must be excellent, as the residues of chopped frozen foods heavily pollute the water.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Completely and totally incompatible with Reef tanks (Reef Safe: NO). It destroys any soft coral, SPS, LPS, ornamental anemones, and feather dusters. Excellent for peaceful community FOWLR aquariums. Coexists well with clownfish, calm tangs, and small wrasses. Avoid pairing with fierce triggerfish.

Aquarium Reproduction: As with all butterflyfish, it has never been achieved in an aquarium. In the open sea, they lay hundreds of thousands of pelagic eggs that float to the surface. The larvae (Tholichthys) possess a curious cephalic armor that is reabsorbed before their descent to the reef.

Risks and Diseases: Subject to Ich if thermally stressed. Its partly nocturnal nature makes it an easy target for parasites and bites from other fish during the day if it does not have dark caves to take refuge in. Sensitive to high concentrations of copper.