Pakistani Butterflyfish (Chaetodon collare) - Medium | Saltwater

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The Pakistani Butterflyfish (Chaetodon collare), also known as the Collare Butterflyfish, is a bold and attractive saltwater species recognized by its dark chocolate-brown body, white-edged scales creating a striking lattice pattern, and a bright red-orange tail. This intermediate-level butterfly is hardy for its family and does well in fish-only or FOWLR setups of 75 gallons or more. Not recommended for reef tanks as it will readily pick at corals and invertebrates.

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• Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum — needs open swimming space and live rock for grazing
• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• dKH: 8–12
• Diet: Omnivore — mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, spirulina, marine algae, and quality frozen preparations
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive — territorial with other butterflyfish
• Reef Compatible: No — will eat corals, anemones, and tube worms
• Max Size: 7 inches (18 cm)

The Pakistani Butterflyfish is not reef safe and will readily pick at LPS, SPS, soft corals, anemones, and feather dusters. Best kept in fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) setups.

Good tank mates: Tangs, large wrasses, larger angels, triggers (with caution), puffers, groupers

Avoid: Other butterflyfish in the same tank (territorial), very small passive fish, and reef tanks with corals or delicate invertebrates

Is the Pakistani Butterflyfish reef safe?
No. It will eat corals, anemones, and tube worms. This species is best suited for fish-only or FOWLR (fish-only with live rock) aquariums.

What should I feed a Pakistani Butterflyfish?
Offer a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, spirulina, marine algae, and quality frozen angelfish or butterfly preparations. Feed 2–3 times daily in smaller portions.

Is the Pakistani Butterflyfish hardy?
Compared to many butterflyfish species, the Pakistani Butterfly is considered one of the hardier choices. It adapts well to captivity if given proper water quality and a varied diet.

Can I keep multiple Pakistani Butterflyfish together?
It is not recommended unless the tank is very large (150+ gallons). They are territorial toward their own kind and other butterflyfish in typical home aquariums.