Pearlscale butterflyfish

The pearlscale butterflyfish is a marine fish of the family Chaetodontidae, native to the western Pacific around the Philippines, Taiwan and southern Japan. It has a pale body with a fine crosshatched pattern of dark-edged scales, dark bands through the eye and along the rear body, and a yellow tail. It is a relatively peaceful butterflyfish, often kept singly or as a compatible pair, and can be somewhat shy when first introduced. It needs a mature aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding, stable water quality and calm tankmates. It is an omnivore feeding on small invertebrates, algae and prepared foods; encouraging it to accept frozen and prepared diets is key to long-term success. Like many butterflyfish it is not fully reef-safe, as it may nip coral polyps and other sessile invertebrates. It rewards experienced keepers with hardy, active behavior once settled.