Collare Butterfly - Chaetodon collare

Collared Butterflyfish (Chaetodon collare)

The Collared Butterflyfish (Chaetodon collare) is an elegant Indo-West Pacific marine fish recognised by its deep brown body, fine golden scale markings, broad white collar and distinctive red-orange tail. Also known as the Redtail Butterflyfish or Pakistani Butterflyfish, it inhabits coral-rich coastal and outer reefs where it feeds on coral polyps and other small benthic organisms. Its bold pattern and graceful swimming behaviour make it a desirable display fish, but its specialist feeding ecology and tendency to nip corals mean it is best suited to a mature fish-only marine aquarium.

Common Name:
Collared Butterflyfish, Collare Butterflyfish, Redtail Butterflyfish, Pakistani Butterflyfish, Brown Butterflyfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Chaetodon collare

Maximum Size:
Up to approximately 18 cm in total length. Aquarium specimens may remain slightly smaller, but this active, deep-bodied butterflyfish requires generous permanent swimming space.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to the tropical Indo-West Pacific, from the Persian Gulf and Maldives eastwards through India, Sri Lanka, the Andaman Sea, Southeast Asia and Indonesia to parts of the western Pacific.

It inhabits coral-rich coastal reefs, lagoons, reef flats and outer reef slopes, generally remaining close to substantial coral and rocky structures. Adults are commonly encountered in pairs or small groups, while larger feeding aggregations may occasionally form in suitable reef habitats.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG

Temperament:
Generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish but potentially territorial towards other butterflyfish, particularly similarly coloured or closely related species.

It is best housed with calm to moderately assertive tank mates that will not continually chase it or prevent it from feeding. A single specimen can be maintained successfully, while keeping a pair requires additional space and animals that are already compatible.

Diet:
An omnivorous reef picker with specialist feeding habits. In nature, it feeds on coral polyps and a range of small benthic organisms collected from reef surfaces.

In the aquarium, offer finely chopped mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, calanus, finely grated mussel, clam, prawn and specialist frozen butterflyfish preparations containing sponge or marine invertebrate material. Foods containing marine algae may also be accepted.

Newly imported specimens can be reluctant to recognise prepared food. Pressing soft food into coral skeletons or rock crevices may encourage natural picking behaviour. Offer several small meals throughout the day and monitor the fish closely to confirm that it is swallowing food.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum aquarium volume of approximately 450 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with a tank length of at least 150 cm preferred.

A larger aquarium is advisable for a compatible pair or when maintaining the fish alongside other active butterflyfish.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time moving around coral and rock structures while searching surfaces for food.

It generally occupies the middle and lower areas of the aquarium and benefits from a combination of open swimming room, large caves, overhangs and mature rockwork.

Once established, the Collared Butterflyfish is usually visible and active. Newly introduced specimens may remain close to shelter until they become confident and develop a reliable feeding response.

Wild adults are frequently observed in pairs, and compatible aquarium pairs may swim and feed closely together. Unrelated individuals should not be assumed to bond and may behave territorially when confined.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Collared Butterflyfish naturally consumes coral polyps and is likely to nip both large-polyp and small-polyp stony corals. Soft corals, zoanthids, anemones, feather duster worms and other sessile invertebrates may also be investigated.

It should not be considered suitable for a valuable mixed reef aquarium. The species is best maintained in a mature fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock system where its natural picking behaviour will not threaten corals.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Purchase only a specimen that appears alert, maintains a full body profile and can be confirmed to be feeding. Avoid fish with a pinched abdomen, damaged mouth, cloudy eyes or persistent refusal of all available foods.

Introduce only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium containing extensive established rockwork and natural benthic growth. A sterile or newly established aquarium is unlikely to provide sufficient supplementary grazing opportunities.

Offer food at least three times daily during acclimatisation. Butterflyfish may lose weight rapidly even when they appear to inspect food, so observe carefully to confirm that food is being swallowed.

Provide excellent oxygenation, efficient filtration and stable water chemistry. Sudden changes in temperature, salinity or pH can cause significant stress.

Avoid aggressive triggers, large territorial angelfish and highly assertive tangs that may prevent the butterflyfish from feeding. Competition should be kept low until the fish is fully established.

A carefully managed quarantine period is recommended. Butterflyfish can be susceptible to marine white spot, velvet and flukes following transport, but may also react poorly to harsh medication or declining water quality.

Provide a securely covered aquarium, particularly during acclimatisation, territorial disputes and maintenance.

Suitable for:
Experienced fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.