Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon lunula
Also called Crescent-masked butterflyfish, Lunule butterflyfish, Halfmoon butterflyfish, Moon butterflyfish, Redstriped butterflyfish
From Indo-Pacific: East Africa east to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe and Rapa; also off East London, South Africa12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 5 to 7 years as typical in aquariums; FishBase gives a maximum reported age of 9 years
Looks how to spot one
Compressed, oval reef butterflyfish
A golden-yellow body with a black mask across the eyes and a broad white band behind it, much like a raccoon's face. Slanting reddish stripes cross the flanks, yellow stripes run behind the head, and a black spot sits at the base of the tail.23
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and generally easygoing with other fish. It is most active around dusk and at night.321
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active swimmer that likes open space and rockwork to search for food, and is largely nocturnal in the wild.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Rated easy care, but it is not a reef fish because it will eat corals and other invertebrates. Feed several small meals a day. A shy new arrival can be encouraged to eat by offering small anemones.32
Home where they are happiest
A tank of at least 125 US gallons (about 475 L). Saltwater at 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Wild adults live on shallow reef flats of lagoons and seaward reefs, while juveniles use rocky inner reef flats and tide pools.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivore. Offer meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, crustacean flesh and frozen preparations several times a day. In the wild it eats nudibranchs, tubeworm tentacles, other small invertebrates, algae and coral polyps.31
Company who they like around
Usually seen in pairs or small groups. Pairs are monogamous when breeding.12
The story where it all began
French naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède described the species in 1802 as Pomacentrus lunula, from a specimen from the Indian Ocean. The name lunula refers to the crescent-shaped markings on its face.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2009)1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Raccoon Butterflyfish. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Raccoon Butterflyfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day with small portions. Several small meals a day help mimic its natural grazing behavior.31 Furry Diary plan
What does a Raccoon Butterflyfish eat, and what should it never eat?
This omnivore enjoys meaty foods like mysis shrimp and crustacean flesh, along with algae. Never offer corals or other invertebrates, as it will eat them, it's not a reef-safe fish.31
How much space does a Raccoon Butterflyfish need?
A tank of at least 125 US gallons (about 475 liters) is recommended. This active swimmer needs open space and rockwork to explore.31
What temperature, light or water does a Raccoon Butterflyfish need?
Keep saltwater at 22-26°C, pH 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Provide open swimming areas and rockwork for hiding, as it is most active at dusk and night.31
How often should I clean a Raccoon Butterflyfish's home?
Clean the glass weekly and perform a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Furry Diary's plan also includes daily temperature checks and weekly water tests. Furry Diary plan
Can a Raccoon Butterflyfish live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful and can live in pairs or small groups. Avoid housing with corals or invertebrates, as it will eat them.12
Can I handle a Raccoon Butterflyfish?
It's best not to handle this delicate saltwater fish. If you need to move it, use a soft net gently. For specific handling advice, consult an exotic-pet vet or experienced breeder.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Chaetodon lunula, Raccoon butterflyfish fishbase.seused for distribution, length, depth, habitat, diet, behaviour, lifespan, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Raccoon butterflyfish en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, colour description, lifespan in aquariums, Aiptasia control, history
- LiveAquaria: Raccoon Butterflyfish liveaquaria.comused for aquarium care, tank size, water parameters, temperament, diet, colours
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.