Fish Guide

Pearlscale Butterflyfish   (Chaetodon xanthurus)
Family: Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Natural Range: West Pacific: Indonesia
Depth: 49 to 164 ft.   Size: 5.5 in.   Jumps: No   Space: 55+ gal.
Reef Safe: No   Care Level: Moderate   Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Hard corals, soft corals, polychaete tentacles, algae (presumed)
Natural History: Pearlscale Butterflyfish are found individually or in pairs on outer reef slopes and dropoffs. It is associated with staghorn coral.
Husbandry: The Pearlscale Butterflyfish is often shy and may refuse to feed with aggressive tankmates. It is primarily a carnivore, feeding on coral polyps and small invertebrates. It will also graze on algae. Dim lighting may help acclimate timid individuals.


AKA: Yellowtail Butterflyfish, Crowned Pearlscaled Butterflyfish

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