Appearance and lifestyle:
The raccoon butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) has notable black and white bands across its head and face, forming a raccoon-like pattern from where it draws its name. Its yellow body is covered by brown-orange stripes. There is a black eye spot on its tail peduncle, and all fins are edged by an orange-brown margin. Racoon butterflyfish form pairs and prey on coral polyps.
Habitat:
Common on coral and rocky reefs in Indo-Pacific
Diet:
Feed on coral polyps and small invertebrates.
Threats:
Climate change, pollution etc.
Grows up to 25cm – but rare specimens up to 60cm have been spotted.
Common on coral reefs in Indo-Pacific.
Also known as a redstriped butterflyfish, halfmoon butterflyfish, moon butterflyfish, crescent-masked butterflyfish or bandit butterflyfish