Pearlscale butterflyfish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit clear coastal to outer reef slopes and drop-offs . They are found around staghorn corals. The only member of the family with a crosshatch pattern of dark lines on the sides. Generally seen below 15 m depth and occurs singly or in pairs. They feed on small benthic invertebrates and algae, similar to C. mertensii . Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20 - 23; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 15 - 17. : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pearlscale butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing . Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 6 - 50 m . Tropical north to the Ryukyu Islands (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
small benthic invertebrates and algae, similar to C
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pearlscale butterflyfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 119 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pearlscale butterflyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Cross-hatch Butterflyfish · Crosshatch Butterflyfish · Netted Butterflyfish · Orange Butterflyfish · Pearlscale Butterflyfish · Philippine Chevron Butterflyfish · Yellow-tail Butterflyfish · Yellowtail Butterflyfish |
| 🏳️Catalan | Peix papallona de cua taronja |
| 🌍CES | klipka mřížovaná |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Perleskællet fanefisk |
| 🇩🇪German | Orangen-Gitterfalterfisch |
| 🇫🇷French | Poisson-papillon à queue orange |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce farfalla arancione |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Amime-chôchô-uo · Amimechochouo · アミメチョウチョウウオ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-borboleta-de-escamas-peroladas |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Сетчатая оранжевохвостая рыба-бабочка |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Pez Mariposa de Cola Dorada |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 紅尾蝴蝶魚 · 黃網蝶 · 黃蝴蝶魚 · 黄蝴蝶鱼 |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Pearlscale butterflyfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 12 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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