{"product_id":"pearlscale-butterflyfish-chaetodon-xanthurus","title":"Pearlscale Butterflyfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Pearlscale Butterflyfish, \u003cem\u003eChaetodon xanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e, is an elegant marine aquarium fish recognized by its pearly white body and intricate crosshatch pattern created by dark-edged scales. A bold black eye stripe and dark forehead marking contrast beautifully with the warm orange-yellow coloration across the rear body, dorsal and anal fins, and tail. This detailed patterning gives the species a refined appearance that stands out especially well in spacious saltwater displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Western Pacific, the Pearlscale Butterflyfish occurs from Indonesia and the Philippines north to the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan. It inhabits clear coastal reefs, outer reef slopes, and drop-offs, frequently around branching coral habitat. In nature, individuals are commonly encountered singly or in pairs while browsing reef surfaces for small benthic invertebrates, algae, and other available foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 5.5–6 inches as an adult, this butterflyfish is well suited to a mature fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium with ample swimming room. Its generally peaceful temperament and manageable adult size make it an appealing choice for butterflyfish enthusiasts, although its tendency to investigate and consume sessile invertebrates makes it unsuitable for aquarists seeking dependable reef compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 75 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Omnivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: No\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Western Pacific – Indonesia, Philippines, and Ryukyu Islands\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eChaetodon xanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature marine aquarium with a balanced combination of established rockwork and open swimming space. Caves, overhangs, and sheltered passages give the fish secure retreats, while open areas allow the continuous cruising behavior typical of butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished live rock is particularly beneficial because the Pearlscale Butterflyfish naturally spends considerable time inspecting reef surfaces for food. Avoid an excessively dense aquascape that limits swimming room, but provide enough structure for the fish to retreat if startled or intimidated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate water movement, strong oxygenation, efficient filtration, and consistently stable water quality are recommended. A mature system is preferable to a newly established aquarium, especially for newly introduced specimens that may initially rely heavily on natural browsing opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium cover is advisable during acclimation and whenever the fish is housed with more active tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pearlscale Butterflyfish is an omnivorous browser that naturally feeds on small benthic invertebrates, algae, and other edible material found across reef surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, offer a varied diet including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, krill, and quality frozen marine blends. Butterflyfish preparations containing marine invertebrate ingredients can also provide useful nutritional variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplement meaty foods with spirulina-based preparations, marine algae, and high-quality omnivore pellets or flakes once the fish is accepting prepared foods consistently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNewly introduced specimens may respond especially well to clam or mussel presented on the shell or other foods positioned close to rockwork. Feed two to three smaller meals each day when practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pearlscale Butterflyfish is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and can coexist with many appropriately sized community species. Good tankmates include tangs, rabbitfish, peaceful wrasses, clownfish, gobies, and other non-aggressive marine fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerritorial behavior may occur toward other butterflyfish, particularly closely related or similarly patterned species. A single specimen is the simplest arrangement for most aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePairs occur naturally, and a compatible pair may be maintained in a sufficiently spacious system. Two unrelated specimens should not automatically be expected to pair peacefully, particularly once established territories have formed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive or excessively competitive tankmates that may intimidate the butterflyfish or prevent it from feeding adequately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pearlscale Butterflyfish is not considered reliably reef safe. Although its natural diet includes algae and small benthic invertebrates, captive specimens may nip at soft corals, stony coral polyps, gorgonians, zoanthids, tubeworms, and other sessile reef organisms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClam mantles and small ornamental invertebrates may also be investigated. Individual behavior varies, but generous feeding does not guarantee that a specimen will ignore corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor predictable long-term husbandry, this species is best maintained in a fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium rather than a reef display where protecting corals and sessile invertebrates is a priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable salinity, strong oxygenation, and consistently clean water are more important than attempting to maintain an exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot reliably reef safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corals, tubeworms, clam mantles, and other sessile invertebrates may be nipped or consumed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature rockwork is beneficial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Established reef surfaces provide natural browsing opportunities and help newly introduced fish acclimate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent varied feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offering several small meals of marine-based foods helps maintain body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButterflyfish territoriality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use caution when combining it with other butterflyfish, particularly similar species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful surroundings preferred:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aggressive tankmates can cause stress and may interfere with feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52451764306218,"sku":"BUTTERxPearlS","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52451764338986,"sku":"BUTTERxPearlSM","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52451764371754,"sku":"BUTTERxPearlM","price":86.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52451764404522,"sku":"BUTTERxPearlML","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52451764437290,"sku":"BUTTERxPearlL","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/PearlscaleButterfly_25e74531-8cca-4137-938c-3d667a118bc1.png?v=1788287870","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/pearlscale-butterflyfish-chaetodon-xanthurus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}