The Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail, scientifically known as Chaetodon xanthurus, is a visually striking marine fish with vibrant colours and distinctive features. It has a maximum size of around 5 inches (12 centimetres), making it a relatively small butterflyfish species. The body is oval-shaped and laterally compressed, with a concave forehead and a pointed snout. The dorsal and anal fins are elongated, giving the fish an elegant appearance. The colouration is predominantly orange, with a black band extending diagonally from the eye to the caudal fin, which has a contrasting yellow or orange colouration.
Natural Habitat:
Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail is commonly found in tropical coral reef environments. Its natural habitat consists of clear, warm waters with rich coral formations and abundant marine life. These fish inhabit the upper regions of the reef, frequently swimming among coral branches and searching for food in the nooks and crannies of the reef structure.
Keeping Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail Healthy:
This species requires careful attention to ensure their well-being. The care level is considered moderate, requiring some experience and knowledge in maintaining marine aquariums. Providing stable water parameters, maintaining high water quality, and establishing a suitable tank environment are essential. It is important to monitor temperature, pH, and salinity levels regularly and ensure appropriate filtration and circulation.
Special Requirements and Feeding:
Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail requires a varied diet consisting of both meaty and plant-based foods. Offer a mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Ensure the diet includes marine-based proteins and some vegetable matter. Regular feeding, 2-3 times a day in small portions, is recommended to meet their nutritional needs.
How Many Should I Keep:
Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail is generally kept singly or in pairs due to their territorial behaviour. Keeping more than one individual may lead to aggression and territorial disputes. Providing ample swimming space and hiding spots within the tank is essential for maintaining a peaceful environment.
Lighting Preference:
This species thrives under moderate to high lighting conditions in the aquarium. Mimicking natural reef lighting with full-spectrum LED or fluorescent lights will promote their well-being and enhance their vibrant colours.
Suitable Tank Mates:
Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail can be kept with other peaceful marine species that are compatible with their temperament and requirements. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful reef fish such as clownfish, gobies, wrasses, and small tangs. Avoid aggressive or territorial fish that may harass or compete with the Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail.
Reproduction in the Wild:
In the wild, Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail engages in external fertilization to reproduce. They form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and engage in courtship displays to attract mates. The male showcases vibrant colours and intricate swimming patterns to impress the female. Once the pair is ready to spawn, they rise together towards the water surface, where they release their gametes simultaneously. The buoyant eggs, which are small and transparent, disperse in the water column and drift with the currents. These eggs eventually hatch into larvae, which undergo a pelagic phase before settling back into the reef as juveniles. The reproductive success of Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail in the wild relies on suitable environmental conditions, availability of compatible mates, and successful larval development.
Breeding Chaetodon xanthurus:
- Set Up:
Breeding Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail in captivity requires a well-maintained aquarium with suitable conditions. Prepare a spacious breeding tank with stable water parameters, optimal temperature between 78°F and 82°F (25°C and 28°C), and a pH range of 8.1 to 8.4. Provide ample hiding places such as live rock or PVC pipes to mimic natural reef crevices.
- Courtship/Spawning:
Courtship and spawning behaviour in Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail usually occur in pairs or small groups. The male initiates courtship by displaying vibrant colours and engaging in elaborate swimming patterns. The pair then rises together towards the water surface, releasing their gametes simultaneously in a synchronized manner.
- Rearing:
After spawning, it is crucial to remove the eggs from the main tank to protect them from potential predation by other fish. Transfer the eggs to a separate rearing tank with similar water parameters. Provide gentle water flow and good aeration. The eggs hatch within 24 to 48 hours, and the larvae will enter a pelagic stage, feeding on microscopic plankton. Provide appropriate larval food such as rotifers and copepods for their initial diet. As the juveniles grow, introduce small live or frozen foods like newly hatched brine shrimp.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Sexual dimorphism in Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail is not prominent, and it is challenging to distinguish males from females based on external characteristics alone. Further examination of their internal reproductive organs is necessary for accurate sex determination.
Distribution:
Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail, Chaetodon xanthurus, is naturally distributed in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. It can be found in various locations, including Fiji, Indonesia, the Maldives, and the Great Barrier Reef. While captive-bred or line-bred strains may be available, the original wild fish are primarily sourced from these regions.
Summary:
Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail, scientifically known as Chaetodon xanthurus, is a visually captivating marine fish species. It exhibits vibrant orange colours and an elegant body shape, making it an attractive addition to a well-maintained aquarium. Their care level is considered moderate, requiring stable water parameters, a balanced diet, and suitable tank mates. In the wild, Pearlscale Butterfly Orange Tail reproduces through courtship and spawning, and breeding in captivity involves setting up a dedicated tank, transferring eggs, and providing appropriate rearing conditions. Despite the delicate nature of these fish, their beauty and grace make them a desirable choice for marine aquarium enthusiasts.
Dry Goods Delivery.
The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:
- Dispatch Timeframe: Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same day. Orders placed after 2pm will be dispatched on the next working day.
- Delivery Date and Time Guarantee: While the store aims to dispatch orders promptly, they cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time. As the delivery process relies on couriers, there may be factors beyond their control that could affect the delivery timeframe.
- 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
- 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
- APC Next Day Delivery: APC Next Day delivery is available for UK mainland postcodes. It is usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch. However, please note that items being delivered to more remote areas may require additional time for delivery.
It’s important to keep in mind that while the store strives to provide efficient delivery services, unforeseen circumstances or external factors could potentially impact delivery times. For further details or specific inquiries about delivery, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Livestock Delivery.
The store maintains specific policies regarding the delivery of livestock. Here are the key points:
- Licensed Livestock Courier: The store exclusively uses a licensed livestock courier for shipping fish and coral. This approach is chosen to ensure responsible and ethical transportation of the livestock.
- Livestock Shipping Fee: The livestock shipping fee charged to customers of £19.99 does not cover the true cost, and therefore, there is a minimum spend requirement of £30.00 before the option for livestock shipping becomes available.
- Pre-Arranged Delivery: The store never ships livestock without first arranging a suitable delivery day. Before dispatching the livestock, the store must confirm the agreed-upon delivery day with the customer.
- Saturday Delivery Confirmation: Customers who choose Saturday delivery must have their availability confirmed for the upcoming Saturday before the store sends out the livestock. This confirmation ensures that the livestock can be received promptly.
- Failure to wait for livestock: Not waiting for livestock, even if there is a reasonable delay, or cancelling an order after it has been dispatched will lead to you incurring charges for an emergency return to the base. Additionally, any losses of livestock will also be charged to you. Please be aware that the items you are ordering are living creatures – livestock. We kindly ask that you refrain from ordering livestock if you are unable to accommodate the possibility of a delayed delivery.
These terms and conditions are a fundamental aspect of our policy. Our primary goal is to dissuade individuals who could react negatively to a delayed delivery and subsequently request order cancellations. It is of utmost importance to underscore that your order pertains to living creatures, not mere inanimate objects. In the event of an occasional delay, it is crucial that you respond in a rational and responsible manner, taking into account the welfare of the livestock. We kindly request that you refrain from placing an order for livestock if you tend to react strongly to such situations. By proceeding with the order of livestock, you indicate your acceptance and agreement to abide by these specified terms and conditions.
- Signature Requirement: Livestock deliveries require a signature upon receipt and cannot be left in a safe location. This precaution ensures proper handling and the well-being of the livestock.
- Geographic Restrictions: The courier has strict geographic restrictions for livestock deliveries. Unfortunately, deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and certain Scottish offshore postcodes may not be possible. Customers are encouraged to contact the store via email to confirm if livestock delivery is available in their area.
- Minimum Order Value and Order Cancellations: The store has a minimum order value of £30 for livestock shipping. Additionally, the store reserves the right to cancel orders that are deemed high-risk or involve a high number of single tropical freshwater fish species.
It is essential for customers to familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or reach out to the store directly for clarification.
Livestock Geographical Exemptions.
The store has specific geographical exemptions for livestock deliveries. Here is a list of the areas and postcodes where livestock delivery is not available:
- Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
- Postcodes: Livestock delivery is not available to the following postcodes:
- AB30 to AB39, AB41 to AB45, AB51 to AB56
- DD8 to DD10
- BT all
- DG3 to DG9, DG12 to DG14
- KA18 to KA19, KA26, KA29 to KA30
- HS all
- IM all
- JE all
- ZE all
- KW15 to KW17
- TD9
- FK17 to FK21
- GY all
- KA26, to KA28
- PA20 to PA38, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA61, PA76 to PA78
- TR21, to TR25
- PH3 to PH26, PH30 to PH44
- IV all
Customers residing in these areas should be aware that livestock delivery is not available to their location.
We can ship livestock to the Isle of Wight, this area is subject to a surcharge.
For further information or specific inquiries about livestock delivery to a particular area, customers are advised to contact the store directly for clarification.
Cancellation.
According to the store’s policy, customers have the right to cancel an order within 14 working days of receiving the goods. To initiate the cancellation, the goods must be returned to the store in new and unused condition, adhering to their Returns Policy.
Important points regarding the return process are as follows:
- Return Condition: The goods must be returned in new and unused condition, as originally received. It is important to ensure that the goods are in the same condition as when they were sent out.
- Return Timeframe: The goods must be received by the store within 21 days of notifying them about the cancellation. During this time, customers are responsible for any loss or damage that may occur during the return shipping process.
- Refund Process: Once the store receives the goods in new and unused condition, they will initiate the refund process. The purchase price will be refunded to the customer.
- Return Condition Inspection: If the returned goods arrive in a condition that is less than what they were sent out in, the store reserves the right to return the goods to the customer, and no refund will be processed.
It is essential for customers to carefully review the store’s Returns Policy and follow the specified procedures to ensure a smooth and successful return and refund process. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Returns.
According to the store’s return policy, the following guidelines should be followed for returning goods:
- Use Returns Form: Customers need to use the store’s provided returns form to initiate the return process. This form helps the store acknowledge that the goods are being sent back.
- Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
- Refund of Postage Fees: The store will only refund postage fees if the order arrives damaged or becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of purchase. Proof of posting is important, and customers should ensure the goods are well-packed and obtain proof of posting as the goods remain their responsibility until received by the store.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Replacement: If goods are being returned within 7 days of purchase under the Replacement Policy, the store can refund postage costs. However, the customer needs to agree on a delivery service with the store in advance, and only standard or tracked shipping fees will be refunded. The store cannot refund the cost of any special delivery service.
- Non-Refundable Postage: Postage costs for goods returned for any other reason than those mentioned above are non-refundable. The store reserves the right to deduct the original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Mistaken Purchases: If a customer has made a mistake in their purchase, they need to return the goods to the store. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs in such cases.
It is important for customers to carefully follow the store’s return procedures and terms and conditions. For further details or specific inquiries, customers should refer to the store’s website or contact the store directly.
Replacements
If customers receive faulty goods, the following guidelines apply according to the store’s policy:
- Notification of Faulty Goods: Customers must notify the store within 7 working days if they receive faulty goods. This notification should be made as soon as possible.
- Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
- Return of Goods: If replacement parts are not possible, the store may request customers to return the faulty goods in accordance with their Returns Policy. The specific return procedures and conditions should be followed.
- Verification of Damage: Once the store receives the returned goods, they will verify the damage. If the damage is confirmed, the store will supply the required replacements.
- Return Postage Costs: If the goods returned to the store are found to be in good working order, the store is not able to refund the return postage costs. Additionally, the store reserves the right to deduct their original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Consequential Loss or Damage: The store cannot take responsibility for any consequential loss or damage that arises directly or indirectly from the goods supplied.
Customers should carefully review and adhere to the store’s Returns Policy and procedures for returning faulty goods. For further clarification or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Manufacturer’s Guarantees
The store works in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that their guarantees are honored, and they make their best efforts to resolve issues within the warranty period. The following guidelines apply to refunds and replacements:
- Postage Costs under Manufacturer’s Guarantee: Postage costs can only be refunded if the goods are returned to the store within 7 days of the original purchase, as per the manufacturer’s guarantee.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Faulty Goods: The store will refund postage costs for guarantee/warranty returns only if the product becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of receipt.
- Replacements with Manufacturer Authorization: Replacements, whether parts or goods, can only be offered when authorized by the manufacturer. Customers should contact the store for further guidance in such cases.
- Prior Approval for Returns: Goods should not be returned to the store without prior approval. Customers need to contact the store and obtain approval before returning any items.
- Replacement of Glass or Ceramic Items: Glass or ceramic items can only be replaced if the store is notified within 48 hours of receiving the delivery.
- Replacement of Glass Bulbs/Tubes: Glass bulbs or tubes can only be replaced if they become faulty within 14 days.
Customers should note and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution of any issues with their purchased items. For specific inquiries or further information, customers are advised to refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Breakages
According to the store’s policy, customers have the following responsibilities regarding breakages:
- Checking Goods on Arrival: It is the customer’s responsibility to thoroughly check the goods upon arrival for any damage. This should be done before signing for the parcel. If the parcel appears damaged, it is advised not to sign for it.
- Reporting Breakages: Any breakages or damages must be reported to the store within 48 hours of receiving the goods. It is important to promptly notify the store to initiate the resolution process.
By carefully inspecting the goods upon arrival and reporting any breakages within the specified timeframe, customers can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the issue. For specific instructions on reporting breakages or further information, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Peter Oxley (verified owner) –
This is a wonderful looking fish and it is in very good condition.
Within a few minutes of being in the aquarium it is eating brine shrimp like it has been here for months.
Looks like it will be a worthwhile addition to the aquarium.
Staff at abyss have been brilliant with information.