Pearlscale Butterflyfish - Chaetodon xanthurus

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

The Pearlscale Butterflyfish, Chaetodon xanthurus, is an attractive Western Pacific marine fish recognised by its pearly white body, dark crosshatched scale pattern, black eye band and vivid orange-red rear section. Also known as the Yellow-tailed Butterflyfish, Crosshatch Butterflyfish or Philippine Chevron Butterflyfish, it inhabits coral-rich coastal reefs where it searches rockwork and coral surfaces for small invertebrates, algae and coral polyps. Although generally less aggressive than many similarly sized marine fish, this active butterflyfish is best suited to a spacious, mature fish-only or FOWLR aquarium because it is likely to nip at corals and other sessile invertebrates.

Common Name:
Pearlscale Butterflyfish, Pearlscale Butterfly, Yellow-tailed Butterflyfish, Crosshatch Butterflyfish, Philippine Chevron Butterflyfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Chaetodon xanthurus

Maximum Size:
Usually around 14–15 cm when fully grown.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Pacific, occurring from Indonesia and the Philippines northwards to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan, with records from surrounding western Pacific reef regions. Pearlscale Butterflyfish inhabit shallow coastal and offshore coral reefs, lagoons and reef slopes, where they swim around coral growth, rockwork and rubble while searching for food.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; stable alkalinity, salinity and excellent water quality are important.

Temperament:
Generally peaceful to moderately territorial. Pearlscale Butterflyfish usually mix well with other suitably sized, non-aggressive marine fish, although they may become territorial towards other butterflyfish or similarly shaped species. Keeping more than one should only be considered in a suitably large aquarium, ideally as an established compatible pair.

Diet:
Omnivorous browser with a natural diet that includes coral polyps, small benthic invertebrates, worms, crustaceans, algae and other organic material collected from reef surfaces. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet of enriched mysis shrimp, finely chopped prawn, clam, mussel, krill, marine preparations containing sponge or invertebrate material, spirulina and high-quality marine pellets or flakes. Feed small portions two or three times daily, particularly while the fish is acclimating.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum aquarium volume of approximately 300 litres is recommended for one adult, with a longer tank preferred to provide adequate swimming room. Larger accommodation is required for a pair or when keeping it with other butterflyfish.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active, daylight-swimming fish that spends much of its time cruising around live rock and inspecting coral, crevices and reef surfaces for food. Provide generous open swimming space alongside well-established rockwork containing caves and sheltered areas. Newly introduced individuals may be shy or reluctant to feed and should not be housed with aggressive or highly competitive feeders.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe
Pearlscale Butterflyfish may eat or repeatedly nip soft corals, stony coral polyps, gorgonians, anemones, tubeworms and other sessile invertebrates. Ornamental clams and small crustaceans may also be at risk. Individual behaviour varies, but this species is most reliably kept in a mature fish-only or FOWLR aquarium.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Add only to a mature, stable marine aquarium with established live rock, good filtration and strong oxygenation. Confirm that the fish is feeding before purchase where possible, as newly imported butterflyfish can be slow to accept prepared foods. Offer frequent varied meals and monitor body condition carefully. Avoid aggressive tank mates that may intimidate it or prevent it from feeding. A secure aquarium cover is recommended, and copper-based treatment should only be used in an appropriate quarantine or hospital system rather than around marine invertebrates.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.