Common name: Red Sea racoon butterflyfish

Scientific name: Chaetodon fasciatus Forsskål, 1775
Coral fish Diagonal butterflyfish
Diagonal butterflyfishes (Chaetodon fasciatus) in Red SeaChaetodon fasciatus or Butterfly fish in the Red Sea coral reef

General information

The Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon fasciatus, is a striking species known for its bold patterns and resilience. This butterflyfish is characterized by its white body with black diagonal stripes and a distinctive 'raccoon' mask over its eyes, which is where it gets its common name. It is a popular choice among aquarists due to its hardiness and adaptability to aquarium life.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
23 cm (9″)
Care level
Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
Diet
Omnivore Prefers live foods, adapts to frozen.
Social
Pair Pairs or solitary in tanks.
Reefsafe
No May nip at coral polyps.
Aggression
Semi aggresive Territorial, especially in small tanks.
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Butterflyfish
    Chaetodontidae
  6. Genus
    Butterflyfish
    Chaetodon
  7. Species
    Red Sea racoon butterflyfish
    Chaetodon fasciatus Forsskål, 1775
  8. Synonyms
    Chaetodon flavus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
    Chaetodon variegatus Bonnaterre, 1788

Care

Chaetodon fasciatus requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding places among live rock. They are not reef-safe as they tend to nip at stony and soft corals, as well as sessile invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, including marine fish, crustacean flesh, and mysis shrimp, supplemented with algae, will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. Raising the larvae in captivity is challenging and not commonly done by hobbyists.

Habitat

This species is endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. They are typically found in coral-rich areas and lagoons, often in pairs or small groups. They can be observed at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 20 meters deep.