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Masked Butterflyfish- Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodon semilarvatus, commonly known as the Masked butterflyfish or Red Sea raccoon butterflyfish, is a striking species belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. Here’s an overview of Chaetodon semilarvatus:
Appearance:
Body: The Masked butterflyfish has a compressed, disc-shaped body typical of butterflyfish.
Coloration: It is characterized by a predominantly white body with a broad black vertical band running through the eye to the base of the dorsal fin. The face is adorned with a distinctive yellow mask, giving it its common name.
Size:
Adults usually grow to about 6 inches (15 cm) in length.
Habitat:
Chaetodon semilarvatus is native to the Red Sea and adjacent waters, including the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. They are typically found in coral-rich areas of reefs and lagoons, often near drop-offs or caves where they can retreat if threatened.