Pakistan Butterfly (Chaetodon Collare)

Also Known As: Collare Butterflyfish, Redtail Butterflyfish

Compatibility and Behavior
The Pakistan Butterfly (Chaetodon collare) is one of the more understated lookers in the family, trading bright yellows for something richer. A fine lattice of pale lines is laid over a dark brown base, set off by a crisp white collar around the head and a deep reddish-orange tail that really glows under reef lighting, and the whole effect is sophisticated in a way that stands out in an upscale FOWLR display. Temperament tends toward peaceful with dissimilar tankmates, and it coexists well with calm tangs, wrasses, and Anthias when introduced carefully, though it may get mildly territorial with other butterflies or similarly shaped species in smaller systems or if added late to the mix. As with the family generally, treat it as reef safe with caution: while foraging it may nip soft corals, LPS, zoanthids, clam mantles, and some sessile inverts, so it belongs in a FOWLR or a very deliberately planned reef where the coral choices account for that habit. One honest note on care: C. collare has a reputation for being a bit more demanding than the beginner butterflies, so it's better suited to a keeper with some mileage under their belt.

Aquarium Requirements
Give this one a mature, spacious tank with a long footprint, open swimming lanes, and substantial rockwork for grazing and shelter. Small individuals in the 1.5 to 2 inch range make a practical start in a 75 to 90 gallon tank, while medium and large specimens are better matched to 100-plus gallon systems with strong, stable filtration. Aquascape for a balance of open water and structured rock zones where it can glide, explore, and slip away when startled, with moderate, well-oxygenated flow throughout. Diet does double duty here, keeping the fish conditioned and easing pressure on your corals: offer a varied menu of mysis, finely chopped seafood, quality marine pellets, and frozen omnivore blends, since a well-fed butterfly is a less destructive one in a mixed system.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5–2", Md: 2–3", Lg: 3–4"
Diet: Omnivore; mysis, finely chopped seafood, plus quality marine pellets and frozen blends
Origin: Indian Ocean and Western Pacific
Care Level: Intermediate to advanced
Reef Safe: With caution
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons for small specimens, with a larger system required as it grows
Special Considerations: Reef safe with caution, as it may nip soft corals, LPS, zoanthids, and clam mantles, so best in a FOWLR or coral-cautious setup; somewhat more demanding than beginner butterflies; can be territorial toward other butterflyfish and similarly shaped fish