The pearlscale butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus), also known as yellow-tailed butterflyfish, crosshatch butterflyfish or Philippines chevron butterflyfish does best in mature aquariums containing plenty of live rock for the fish to browse on and forage amongst. The Pearlscale Butterflyfish is a peaceful fish and can get up to 6 inches and should be housed with other peaceful fish.
The Pearlscale Butterflyfish body is pearly white with a network of grey lines, the thinker ones forming a chevron pattern. The hind parts are orangey-yellow, the base of the caudal fin is white. The head is darker than the body and bears the characteristic pattern of its lineage, consisting of vertical black eyestripes and a black white-rimmed crown spot.
Pearlscale Butterflyfish are not considered reef safe, on account of its fondness for feeding on many soft corals and other smallinvertebrates. A 70-gallon or larger aquarium with other peaceful fish and others of the same species, if all were introduced into the tank at the same time.
The diet of the Pearlscale Butterflyfish should include various meaty preparations including frozen, freeze-dried, fresh or flake food. Also provide regular vegetable food source and vitamin-boosting supplements.
