Chaetodon xanthurus | M

Chaetodon xanthurus, commonly known as the Pearlscale Butterflyfish, is a visually stunning addition to any marine aquarium. This medium-sized butterflyfish features a bright yellow body adorned with a unique pattern of pearly white spots, making it a standout specimen.

Care Level: Moderate to advanced. This species requires stable water parameters and a mature tank environment.

Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be territorial towards conspecifics or similar species. Best kept singly or as a mated pair in larger tanks.

Diet: Omnivorous. In captivity, offer a varied diet including high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and specialised butterflyfish preparations. Supplement with algae-based foods to mimic natural feeding habits.

Tank Requirements: Minimum tank size of 150 litres is recommended to provide ample swimming space and territories. A well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock is essential to provide grazing opportunities and hiding places.

Reef Compatibility: With Caution. While generally reef safe, this species may nip at coral polyps and sessile invertebrates, so caution is advised in reef setups.

Water Parameters: Maintain stable marine conditions with temperature between 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity 1.023-1.025 SG.

Origin: Indo-Pacific region.

Maximum Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches).