Common name: Pearlscale butterflyfish
General information
The Pearl-scaled Butterflyfish, also known as the Crosshatch Butterflyfish or Philippine Butterflyfish, is a striking species known for its unique coloration and pattern. The scientific name Chaetodon xanthurus refers to this fish's beautiful yellow tail (xanthos meaning yellow, and oura meaning tail in Greek). This species is part of the large butterflyfish family, which is known for its diversity and beauty.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 18 cm (7″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Omnivore Prefers mysis, brine shrimp, spirulina.
- Social
- Pair Best kept in pairs or singly.
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at coral polyps.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial.
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyButterflyfishChaetodontidae
- GenusButterflyfishChaetodon
- SpeciesPearlscale butterflyfishChaetodon xanthurus Bleeker, 1857
Care
Pearl-scaled Butterflyfish are considered moderate to care for. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are not considered reef safe as they may nip at corals and invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and high-quality marine flake or pellet food is essential for their health.
Reproduction
Like many butterflyfish, Chaetodon xanthurus is oviparous, with pairs forming during the breeding season and engaging in a courtship dance before releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. The eggs are pelagic, drifting with the currents until hatching.
Habitat
Pearl-scaled Butterflyfish are found in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to the Philippines and north to Japan. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs, typically at depths of 3 to 20 meters. They are often seen in pairs or small groups, swimming close to the reef structure.