Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon fasciatus
The Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish is a reef-dwelling butterflyfish found mainly in the Red Sea and adjacent western Indian Ocean. It feeds on coral-associated invertebrates and small benthic prey, and is more of an aquarium reef species than a targeted angling fish.
Identification points
- Broad black eye-stripe over a pale face, giving a raccoon-like mask
- Yellow body with vertical dark bars/lines on the flanks
- Long pointed snout and tall, laterally compressed butterflyfish profile
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs, lagoon edges, and sheltered reef slopes with abundant live coral and mixed rubble; usually close to structure from the surface down to moderate reef depths.
Bait notes
Not a standard gamefish and is rarely targeted by anglers. If encountered incidentally, tiny pieces of shrimp, clam, squid, or finely chopped reef-scented bait may draw a bite; small soft plastics are generally more useful for observation than harvest.
Behavior
Usually occurs singly or in pairs, moving deliberately along reef faces and picking at coral and small invertebrates. It is diurnal, strongly site-attached, and quick to retreat into reef crevices when disturbed.
Caution
Reef species may be protected or subject to local collection rules; check regulations before taking or keeping one. As a coral-associated butterflyfish, it is not a typical food target, and reef fish can carry ciguatera risk in some areas.
Fishing notes
Best approached by light-tackle reef fishing or snorkel observation rather than active targeting. Avoid casting into live coral; use extremely small hooks and minimal bait if legally and ethically fishing where permitted, because the species is ornamental and not a common table fish.