Fin's Fish Guide
The Halfmoon butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The raccoon butterflyfish is a butterflyfish of the family Chaetodontidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, disc-shaped, yellow-brown body with a black, white-edged eye mask and oblique dark lines on the upper body, to which the name refers. It is a nocturnal species usually found in pairs or small groups on shallow reefs by day. At night it forages on nudibranchs, tubeworm tentacles and other benthic invertebrates, as well as algae and coral polyps. The species forms pairs when breeding and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Halfmoon butterflyfish?
The Halfmoon butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a flame-patterned pattern. Black, white-rimmed eye mask and oblique lines on the back; nocturnal reef fish that lives in pairs.
Where does the Halfmoon butterflyfish live?
The Halfmoon butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; shallow lagoon and seaward reefs to over 30 m.
How big does the Halfmoon butterflyfish get?
The Halfmoon butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Halfmoon butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Halfmoon butterflyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Halfmoon butterflyfish edible?
The Halfmoon butterflyfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chaetodon
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Halfmoon butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Halfmoon butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.