Pakistan Butterflyfish

Pakistan Butterflyfish: The Redtail Grazing Beauty

The Pakistan Butterflyfish (Chaetodon collare), also commonly known as the Collare Butterflyfish or Redtail Butterflyfish, is a strikingly marked and active species native to the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from the Persian Gulf to Japan and Indonesia. It is a prized fish for large, established FOWLR (Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock) aquariums.

This butterflyfish features a reddish-brown body with a decorative pattern of light scale centers, giving it a lattice appearance. Its face is marked by a prominent white vertical band, and its common name is derived from its bright red to reddish-brown tail fin (caudal fin).

Reaching an adult size of up to 7 inches (18 cm), this species is considered to be of Moderate care difficulty due to its specific dietary requirements and sometimes challenging acclimation process. A minimum aquarium size of 125 gallons is recommended to accommodate its active swimming nature and grazing needs.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Pakistan Butterflyfish is a natural Omnivore/Carnivore and a constant grazer. In the wild, its diet includes coral polyps, small crustaceans, worms, and algae. In captivity, it can be tricky to wean onto prepared foods. Offer a varied diet of fine-chopped meaty foods (krill, mysis shrimp, clams, squid), high-quality marine pellets, and algae sheets/Spirulina. Feed small amounts several times per day. Acquiring a specimen over 3 inches is often recommended, as smaller juveniles are notoriously difficult to get eating.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally considered Not Reef Safe. Like many of its congeners, the Pakistan Butterflyfish feeds on coral polyps in nature and will systematically nip at and damage most stony corals (SPS/LPS), soft corals, clam mantles, and ornamental invertebrates (such as tube worms) in the confines of an aquarium. It is best suited for a FOWLR system.
• Temperament: It is typically Peaceful toward non-butterfly tankmates but can be territorial towards other butterflyfish, especially those with similar coloring. It should be kept singly unless a known, bonded pair is introduced simultaneously into a very large aquarium. Suitable tankmates include active, non-aggressive species like tangs, large angels, and clownfish.
• Acclimation Note: Butterflyfish have high metabolisms and can be sensitive to stress. Excellent water quality and a stable, established aquarium environment are mandatory for success.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Chaetodon collare
• Primary Common Name: Pakistan Butterflyfish
• Other Common Names: Collare Butterflyfish, Redtail Butterflyfish, Brown Butterflyfish
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 7 inches (18 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Territorial to Conspecifics
• Diet: Omnivore/Carnivore (Grazing Specialist)
• Minimum Tank Size: 125+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: No (Will eat corals and sessile invertebrates)