About Chaetodon lunula (Lacepède, 1802)
Chaetodon lunula (Lacepède, 1802) can reach a maximum length of 20 centimeters, which is nearly 8 inches. These are large butterflyfish that have an overall oval body shape. Their flanks feature a pattern of ascending oblique reddish stripes, while black and white bands cross their face and eyes that resemble the facial mask of a raccoon — this pattern gives the species its common name. Chaetodon lunula also has a black spot on the caudal peduncle, and oblique yellow stripes located behind the head. This species has between 10 and 14 dorsal spines, and 3 anal spines.
This species is widely distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Hawaiian and Marquesan islands, and north as far as southern Japan. It also occurs in the southeast Atlantic off South Africa. Chaetodon lunula inhabits seaward reefs and shallow lagoon reef flats, and is found at depths of over 30 meters.
