Care
The Raccoon Butterflyfish is arobust, largely nocturnal species known from shallow reef flats, lagoons, andseaward reefs, up to a depth of around 30m (98ft). Juvenile fish tend to favourrocky inner reef flats or tide pools, but adults are often observed swimmingmore out in the open, in pairs or small groups and feeding on variousinvertebrates, coral polyps, and algae. In the home aquarium, RaccoonButterflyfish should be offered plenty of swimming space and a multitude ofhiding places. These fish are best kept singly, although if you are blessedwith an XXL system, they make be kept in large groups - consisting of same-sizefish added simultaneously, to help avoid aggression. Such groups may bickerfrom time to time, but as long as they are provided with plenty of visualbarriers amongst the décor, no real harm should ensue. However, be aware that suchgroups will not work in smaller quarters. These fish should not be housed withany other butterflyfish species as they will show much hostility towards each other;however they are usually safe with non-related fish species that can look afterthemselves (avoid any small, docile species). As mentioned previously, the tankshould contain an abundance of rockwork for the fish to hide amongst, but doleave a large open swimming space along the front of the aquarium. As with allbutterflyfishes, this species demands excellent water quality - thoroughlyfiltered and well oxygenated, with areas of decent current. Although tending tobe of a fairly nocturnal nature in the wild, these fish adapt well to aquariumlighting and feeding schedules, and often become very active during the day. Interestingly,the Raccoon Butterflyfish has the ability to change appearance to a darkblotchy form when wanting to blend into its surroundings at night, or whenthreatened. Juveniles sport a prominent false eye spot towards thetop anterior part of the body, which tends to blend in more with the fish"™smarkings as it matures. This species is very similar in appearance to the RedSea Raccoon Butterflyfish (
C. fasciatus).
Feeding
Offer a wide variety of foods,fed in small amounts several times per day. Frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp,vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Angel & Butterfly mix, finely choppedclam/mussel/cockle/crab/shrimp/squid etc should be given. Ensure the largerfoodstuffs are chopped into small enough pieces on account of butterflyfishhaving tiny mouths.
Breeding
This species has not been bredin captivity. In the wild, these fish form distinct pairs and scatter theireggs in open water where they are dispersed by the currents. The eggs are small(<1 mm), and the embryos hatch approximately 30 hours after fertilization.The larvae subsequently spend about 40 days in the plankton before settling tothe reef.
