Black Pearlscale Butterflyfish

Black Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon argentatus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its elegant silver-white body covered in a delicate black net-like (pearlscale) pattern, accented by bold black bars across the eye and tail, and its graceful swimming motion. Males typically do not differ significantly in appearance from females, while females/juveniles share the same pattern but may appear smaller and slightly duller in coloration until maturity. They reach about 6 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75 gallons.

Provide ample live rock for grazing, open swimming space, and shaded areas or caves for retreat, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is recommended, as butterflyfish can be prone to jumping.

Diet should consist of a varied mix of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, marine algae, and high-quality omnivore pellets or flakes. They may occasionally nip at soft corals or polyps, so caution is advised in reef tanks. With proper care, this fish makes a refined and visually unique addition to a peaceful marine aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.