ANIMAL: Pearlscale Butterflyfish Chaetodon xanthurus Type of Animal: Butterflyfish Habitat: Reefs, coastal reef slopes, outer reef slopes, clear coastal waters, drop-offs, especially around staghorn corals, Location(s): C Indo-Pacific from Indonesia N to Ryukyu Islands Appearance: Distinctive white cross-hatch/reticulated pattern on sides, scales w/ black edges, dark white-rim spot behind eyes, bright yellow hind body Food/Diet: LPS corals, soft corals, mysid shrimp, brine shrimp, seaweed, spirulina, algae, clams, mussels, marine worms, sponges, krill, mussels, scallops, shrimp, prawns Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Monitoring of collection from wild. Lifestyle: Schools of 2-10 fish Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young: Fry Group: School Weight: 6-8 oz Gestation: 1 day Life Span: 5-7 years Body Length: 5-6 in Main predators are groupers, moray eels, sharks, snappers, scorpionfish, lionfish, large triggerfish, & large wrasses. Also called Crosshatch Butterflyfish, Philippines Chevron Butterflyfish, Crowned Butterflyfish, & Yellow-Tailed Butterflyfish. These fish tend to be peaceful. These fish spawn by scattering eggs in open water. These fish are rather shy & skittish. Fun Fact(s): Small, protractile mouth tailored for picking at food in crevices. Sometimes hybridize w/ closely related Atoll Butterflyfish in areas where they coexist. These fish have never been bred in captivity. Specimens usually collected from wild-primarily from Indonesia & Philippines.
