Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

The Pearlscale Butterflyfish or Chaetodon xanthurus is one of the many different species of Butterflyfish in the Chaetodontidae family. This saltwater fish can be differentiate from other Butterflyfish by their large checkered scales and the black bar that runs across their eye. This fish is sometimes known as the Yellow-tailed Butterflyfish or the Philippines Chevron Butterflyfish.

Found in the Indo-Pacific, the Pearlscale Butterflyfish can grow to about 6" (150mm) in length and is quite the popular aquarium fish. They eat crustaceans, algae, coral polyps and all kinds of vegetable matter. Pearlscale Butterflyfish are generally considered to be a peaceful fish but sometimes don't get along with other Butterflyfish.  They should be kept in an aquarium of at least 50 gallons.  You can check out one in action in the video below...


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