Raccoon Butterflyfish 

Also known as Lunula Butterflyfish, Crescent-Masked Butterflyfish

The Raccoon Butterflyfish is one of the hardiest and most popular butterflyfish in the aquarium trade. Named for the distinctive black “mask” across its eyes resembling a raccoon, this peaceful and adaptable species is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a beautiful and relatively easy-to-maintain butterflyfish.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Chaetodon lunula
• Common Names: Raccoon Butterflyfish, Lunula Butterflyfish, Halfmoon Butterflyfish
• Adult Size: Up to 8 inches
• Lifespan: 5-10 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and bold
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Beginner to moderate; one of the hardiest butterflyfish

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide ample swimming space with live rock creating caves and swim-throughs. This confident species actively explores the entire aquarium. Benefits from established systems but adapts well.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Tolerant of typical reef parameters
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Quality protein skimmer
  • Efficient filtration system
  • Moderate water circulation These maintain healthy conditions for this hardy species.

Diet & Feeding 

Raccoon Butterflyfish are omnivores with hearty appetites. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, vitamin-enriched flake foods
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped clams, krill, squid, marine cuisine

• Plant Matter: Nori seaweed, marine algae sheets (beneficial supplement)
• Live Foods: Live brine shrimp (helpful but usually not necessary)
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Special Note: Readily accepts prepared foods; one of the easiest butterflyfish to feed

Notes & Considerations

• Among the hardiest and most adaptable butterflyfish; excellent choice for first-time butterflyfish keepers.
• The distinctive black “raccoon mask” across the eyes makes it instantly recognizable.
• Generally peaceful toward all tankmates; less territorial than many butterflyfish.
• May nip at soft corals, anemones, zoanthids, and feather dusters; monitor in reef tanks.
• Bold and confident once acclimated; actively explores and patrols the aquarium.
• Can be kept in pairs or small groups in larger systems if introduced together.
• Secure aquarium lid recommended; can jump if startled.
• More forgiving of water quality fluctuations than sensitive butterflyfish species.
• Does well in both peaceful and moderately active community tanks.
• Long lifespan potential with proper care makes it a long-term companion.
• Widely available and reasonably priced compared to rare species.

Why Choose a Quarantined Raccoon Butterflyfish? 

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this beautiful and hardy species.