White fish with a yellow band over the eye, thin black bands along the body and a large red section along the back.

Pearlscale butterflyfish

Chaetodon xanthurus
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
Diet Small invertebrates and algae
Size Length: Up to 5.5 inches (14 cm)
Type Fishes
Range West-Central Pacific Ocean
Habitat Outer reefs and drop-offs

Did you know?

  1. Butterflyfish like this one hunt small animals by unhinging and extending their jaws. Scientists believe this technique helps the butterflyfish get closer to prey without the prey noticing.
  2. After extending its jaws, the pearlscale butterflyfish uses suction to pull the prey into its mouth.
  3. Dark slashes conceal the eyes making it more difficult for a predator to determine which end is which when planning an attack.

IUCN Red List Conservation Status