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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Natural Range: Indian and Pacific Oceans
Depth: 1 to 230 ft. Size: 7.75 in. Jumps: No Space: 75+ gal.
Reef Safe: No Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Mollusks, bristleworms, amphipods, sea cucumbers, shrimp, echinoderm tube feet, coral polyps, algae
Natural History: The Raccoon Butterflyfish is found individually or in small groups on reefs, slopes, and lagoons. It will often hide by day in ledges and feed at night. Juveniles are often found in very shallow water around rocks and debris.
Husbandry: The Raccoon Butterflyfish is one of the hardier butterflyfishes. It is not aggressive toward unrelated species and will tolerate conspecifics if the aquarium is large. Aquarium acclimation for very large or small individuals may be difficult, and an inexpensive anemone may do the trip to initiate feeding. Raccoon butterflyfish relish anemone tentacles. It will generally feed at any time in captivity even though it is a nocturnal feeder on the reef.