Pearlscale Butterflyfish

The Pearlscale Butterflyfish is an attractive and moderately hardy species found across the Western Pacific, particularly in the waters of the Philippines and Indonesia. Its body is white to pale gray with a striking crosshatch or pearlscale pattern created by dark outlines on each scale, giving the fish a lattice-like appearance. The rear portion of the body transitions to a vibrant yellow, and a black eye band and dark posterior markings complete the handsome color scheme.

In the marine aquarium, the Pearlscale Butterflyfish is a good choice for intermediate-level aquarists interested in butterflyfish. It generally adapts well to captive conditions and will accept a variety of frozen and prepared foods, though patience may be required during the initial settling-in period. This species is moderately active and appreciates a tank with ample live rock structure for shelter and natural foraging opportunities.

The Pearlscale Butterflyfish is one of the relatively few butterflyfish that can be kept in a reef aquarium with caution. While it may occasionally sample soft coral polyps, it is considerably less destructive to corals than most members of its family. Many aquarists successfully keep this species in mixed reef systems, though monitoring for coral nipping is always advisable. It is peaceful toward other fish and best kept singly to avoid conspecific aggression.