Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Yellow Tailed Butterflyfish, Crosshatch Butterflyfish or Philippines Chevron Butterflyfish is central Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia and the Philippines north to the Ryukyu Islands.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish can be encountered alone, in pairs, and in small groups along drop offs in the clear, coastal outer reef slopes of their range, usually around areas colonized with rich growths of Acropora staghorn corals, at depths from 20 to over 160 feet where they feed on various algae, soft coral polyps, and small benthic invertebrates.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

The Pearlscale Butterflyfish has iridescent pearly white body scales edged with black, in a striking contrasting reticulated (net like) or crosshatched pattern. They have a white rimmed, black oval splotch on the forehead behind the eye, a black vertical line through the eye, a bright orange sickle shaped band over the anterior dorsal and anal fins that are highlighted with delicate white, black, and yellow edging, a translucent orange and white caudal fin, and bright yellow on the tips of the dorsal fin. There are no discernible differences between males and females.

They are often mistaken for Mertensii Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii).

Although Pearlscale Butterflyfish can be housed in a mature reef tank with caution; they are best housed in a well established FOWLR aquarium of at least 100 gallon capacity with a fine crushed coral or sand substrate, mature live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to graze on and hide among, and plenty of free swimming space. In mature aquariums containing plenty of live rock for the fish to browse on and forage among, they will normally thrive.

Like Chaetodon semilarvatus, Chaetodon xanthurus feed on several species of soft corals and small invertebrates, they are not considered reef safe, however, many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts with very large reef systems have successfully reported housing

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

Chaetodon xanthurus with some of the more noxious, unpalatable soft corals. They may, or may not, exhibit curiosity and nip at coral polyps, particularly SPS corals.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish often become territorial towards similar looking, colored, or patterned butterfly species, especially when housed in smaller tanks, however; they can coexist when simultaneously introduced as juveniles into a large mature aquarium.

As a general rule it is never a good idea to mix butterflyfish species together, especially close relatives. A few compatible species include Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni), Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica), Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto), Clownfish (Amphiprioninae), and Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis).

Pearlscale Butterflyfish tankmates in FOWLR systems should be the same size and peaceful in nature.   They will often refuse to eat or venture out of the protection of their live rock crannies when kept with more belligerent species. They will almost always acclimate well and thrive when kept in peaceful surroundings.

Like all butterflyfish, Chaetodon xanthurus require water quality that is thoroughly filtered and well oxygenated, along with moderate water flow.  An excellent filtration system, protein skimmer, and wave maker should be mandatory.

In the wild, Pearlscale Butterflyfish form distinct pairs and scatter their eggs in open water. They have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural habitat, Pearlscale Butterflyfish feed on algae, soft coral polyps, gorgonians, and small benthic invertebrates. In an aquarium environment, they should be fed a variety of live, frozen, or freeze dried foods that includes high quality marine flakes, omnivore pellets, spirulina, prepared foods containing algae, chopped krill, clams, or mussels, mysis shrimp, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp.
Feed small portions several times daily.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus) are readily available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of online suppliers and specialty fish shops at prices that vary according to size and area of collection.

Approximate purchase sizes: Small: 1″ to 2-1/4″, Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/2″, Large: 3-1/2″ to 4-3/4″.

Currently prices for small specimens start at around $52.99 for small Fiji specimens, up to $104.99 for large specimens.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 74-80° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 5.9″
Color Form: White, Black, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: Over 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate