Orange Pearlscale Butterfly (Asia Pacific)

A dazzling combination of high contrast markings and bright colors make the Orange Pearlscale a flashy fish indeed. Each of the scales on its flanks are edged in inky black, and a crescent of intense tangerine orange paints its rear body, with another brushstroke in the same hue on its tail. A dark stripe runs through its eye and a small spot is on its forehead. The very tips of its dorsal fin are delicate lemon yellow. It grows up to 5.5 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 75 gallons.

This species is normally quite peaceful and shy, and should not be kept with aggressive tank mates. It can be kept singly or in groups which should be added at the same time to a large aquarium. Butterflyfish do not show differences between males and females. They are related to angelfish, but lack the angel's distinctive cheek spines.

A butterflyfish's favorite food is an anemone, so they should not be kept in the same aquarium with one unless it is guarded by aggressive clownfish. The butterflyfish knows to attack the anemone on its mouth, which does not sting, and will make a quick meal of it. It will also benefit from filamentous algae in the aquarium to graze on.

This species may nip on many types of corals, especially soft corals and LPS, clam mantles, sponges, and feather dusters. They do not typically bother other types of invertebrates such as crustaceans. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. This species is easy to feed on a variety of meaty and herbivore preparations such as frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, marine algae and Spirulina; it should be fed 2-3 times a day.