Parachaetodon lunula

Chaetodon lunula, also known as the Raccoon Butterflyfish, is a beautiful and popular species among aquarium enthusiasts. This fish belongs to the family Chaetodontidae and is native to the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, East Pacific, Central/West Pacific.

In the aquarium, Chaetodon lunula requires a minimum volume of 400 liters (106 gallons) and is considered hardy, but suitable with care due to its aggressive tendencies. It is not reef safe and can be a threat to invertebrates such as LPS and soft coral, which it likes to eat.

The recommended diet for Chaetodon lunula includes larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, macroalgae like seaweed or nori, microalgae like spirulina, and other invertebrates such as small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, and zooplankton like cyclops and pods. However, keep in mind that this species likes to eat tubeworms, sea urchins, clams, and can be a threat to anemones.

To ensure the health and happiness of Chaetodon lunula in the aquarium, it is important to provide them with a varied diet and frequent feedings throughout the day, especially when newly added. They also need good hiding places such as live rocks and plenty of space for swimming. Additionally, it is recommended to keep several specimens of this species in the same aquarium if introduced simultaneously.

Overall, Chaetodon lunula is a stunning fish that requires specific care and attention in the aquarium due to its dietary preferences and aggressive tendencies towards certain invertebrates. With the proper care, this fish can thrive and bring joy to any aquarium enthusiast.