Care
The Raccoon Butterflyfish is a robust, largely nocturnal species known from shallow reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs, up to a depth of around 30m (98ft). Juvenile fish tend to favour rocky inner reef flats or tide pools, but adults have often been observed swimming more out in the open, in pairs or small groups, and feeding on various invertebrates, coral polyps, and algae. In the home aquarium, Raccoon Butterflyfish should be offered plenty of swimming space and a multitude of hiding places. These fish are best kept singly, although if you are blessed with an XXL system, they can be kept in large groups - consisting of same-size fish added simultaneously, to help avoid aggression. Such groups may bicker from time to time, but as long as they are provided with plenty of visual barriers amongst the decor, no real harm should ensue. However, be aware that such groups will not work in smaller quarters. These fish should not be housed with any 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 after themselves (avoid any small, docile species). As mentioned previously, the tanks should contain an abundance of rockwork for the fish to hide amongst, but leave a large open swimming space along the front of the aquarium. As with all butterflies, this species demands excellent water quality - thoroughly filtered and well-oxygenated, with areas of decent current. Although tending to be of a fairly nocturnal nature in the wild, these fish adapt well to aquarium lighting and feeding schedules and often become very active during the day. Interestingly, the Raccoon Butterflyfish has the ability to change appearance to a dark blotchy form when wanting to blend into its surroundings at night, or when threatened. Juveniles sport a prominent false eye spot towards the top anterior part of the body, which tends to blend in more with the fishs markings 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 chopped clam/mussel/cockle/crab/shrimp/squid etc should be given. Ensure the larger foodstuffs are chopped into small enough pieces on account of butterflyfish having tiny mouths.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in captivity. In the wild, these fish form distinct pairs and scatter their eggs 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 the reef.
