Pearlscale Butterfly

Chaetodon xanthurus


(2 Reviews)

The Pearlscale Butterfly, Chaetodon xanthurus, has pearly white scales with black edges that give it a cross-hatched or netted pattern with accents of a black eye bar and bright orange or yellow on the rear and tail. They are very hardy and peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish, but may become aggressive towards other Butterflies with a similar pattern or coloration in smaller tanks.

They are also not reef safe since they will nip at and eat soft corals and stony polyps as well as ornamental shrimp, tube worms and anemones. Diet should include a variety of mysis and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, spirulina, nori, seaweed, marine algae, and algae based foods, 2-3 times daily.
Pearlscale Butterfly

Pearlscale Butterfly

Chaetodon xanthurus


(2 Reviews)

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Care Facts

Size: 2.5-3.5 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Indo Pacific
Acclimation Time: 3+ Hours
Reef Safe: Monitor
Coral Safe: No
Invertebrate Safe: No
Minimum Tank Size: 50+ Gallons
The Pearlscale Butterfly, Chaetodon xanthurus, has pearly white scales with black edges that give it a cross-hatched or netted pattern with accents of a black eye bar and bright orange or yellow on the rear and tail. They are very hardy and peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish, but may become aggressive towards other Butterflies with a similar pattern or coloration in smaller tanks.

They are also not reef safe since they will nip at and eat soft corals and stony polyps as well as ornamental shrimp, tube worms and anemones. Diet should include a variety of mysis and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, spirulina, nori, seaweed, marine algae, and algae based foods, 2-3 times daily.

Doing great so far! Only in main tank for a few days now and at first was chased by our saddleback butterfly, but now he's fit in quite comfortably. Eating well also.


Reviewed by: Shelley Turner on July 1, 2017

Very nice looking fish doing well in quarantine so far arrived looking in good health.


Reviewed by: Lenny on Dec. 4, 2016

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