Common names for the Crescent-Masked Butterflyfish include: The Crescent-Masked Butterflyfish, Raccoon Butterflyfish and Lunule butterflyfish. They are commonly found in coral reefs throughout Africa, Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives, and Tahiti.

 Crescent-Masked Butterflyfish
Crescent-Masked Butterflyfish

These beautifully coloured fish are not considered reef safe. Some people report having a model citizen in their aquarium, but that is the exception rather than the rule. They may start off as being reef safe, but most will eventually start nipping at your corals, and nearly all of them will pick at your live rock and they are known for turning your inverts into a bit of a snack.

While these fish are considered active, they are also very timid. They do best in aquariums that have plenty of hiding places and bolt holes that they can vanish into when they feel threatened.

They are peaceful fish, and will generally leave their tank mates alone.

Care should be taken when purchasing one of these fish as they are known to be fussy eaters. Make sure your fish is eating prepared foods before adding it to your display tank.

Tank Requirements & Facts

Raccoon Butterflyfish
  • Minimum tank size: 125 Gallon (570 Litres)
  • Prone to disease: No, these are hardy little fish
  • Beginner Compatible: No, specialist dietary requirements
  • Adult Size: 8 inches (20cm)
  • Reef Compatible: No. Coral nippers.
  • Predator Tank Compatible: No
  • Care Level: Medium
  • pH: 8.1 to 8.4
  • Temperature: 24°C to 27°C
  • Preferred Tank Level: Any
  • Lots of hiding places required

Feeding

Raccoon Butterflyfish will eat a variety of meaty, flaked, pelleted & algae based foods. They require a varied diet.

  • These are omnivores
  • They will eat corals and inverts.
  • A varied diet will help with health
  • They are fast eaters
  • Live foods, frozen foods, pellets and flake can all be accepted, but they are known to be fussy eaters. Before purchasing, ensure you see the fish eating foods that are offered.

Acclimatisation

Place your fish in the bucket and then drip acclimate for about 60 minutes at a rate of 3 drips per second. This should bring the fishes water parameters in line with your tanks parameters.

Once your fish has been drip acclimated, catch the fish with a net and place it gently into your tank. Do not put any of the water the fish originally came in, into your tank.

Care should be taken after adding the fish to ensure there is a tightly fitting lid on the aquarium at all times.

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