Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Chaetodon xanthurus
- Group: Butterflyfish
- Typical depth: 6–50 m
- Max size: 14 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
Marked with a fine crosshatch of dark lines found on no other butterflyfish, this species drifts along clear reef slopes and steep drops, usually below 15 metres. It keeps to staghorn coral, pairs up to breed, and picks at small invertebrates and algae.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Acanthuriformes › Chaetodontidae › Chaetodon
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 273367.
FAQ
- How deep does the Pearlscale Butterflyfish live?
- The Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus) is typically found at 6–50 m.
- Is the Pearlscale Butterflyfish dangerous to divers?
- The Pearlscale Butterflyfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Pearlscale Butterflyfish get?
- The Pearlscale Butterflyfish grows to about 14 cm.