Reef Check Indonesia
The raccoon butterflyfish, Chaetodon lunula, is a common tropical reef species with only a single dorsal fin and unusually large eyes. Normally found in pairs or small groups, they are a small species seldom exceeding a length of 20cm. Known for their bright colours, they are normally found in shallow inshore waters where they like to nibble on coral polyps and crustaceans.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
There are over 400 species of mantis shrimp known worldwide. Recognised for their array of beautiful colours, the peacock mantis shrimp, Odontodactyls Scyllarus, are also famous for the speed at which they can use their appendages for hunting, known as ‘punching’.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The giant manta ray, Manta birostris, are known as the birds of the sea. These majestic creatures glide underwater with wing (fin) spans up to 9 meters feeding off some of the ocean’s smallest critters, plankton. Found in tropical and temperate oceanic waters they spend the majority of their time in open waters, however, regularly visit cleaning stations found on reefs, where they have mutualistic relationships with many reef species who help keep their skin, teeth, and gills clean.
IUCN Status: Endangered