Pakistani Butterflyfish

About this fish

Pakistani Butterflyfish (sold under the scientific name Chaetodon collare) is a marine butterflyfish that’s commonly used in a saltwater display for its active swimming and recognizable butterflyfish profile. In practice, it’s best suited for experienced hobbyists who can support consistent, protein-forward feeding rather than expecting it to “graze” easily. Because it is typically not reef-safe, it’s usually placed in fish-only setups where it can be kept with compatible tankmates.

Features:

• General husbandry approach: best kept in larger, peaceful fish-only aquariums with plenty of open swimming space and live rock hiding places.
• Feeding guidance: often considered a difficult feeder; start with meaty, live/fresh options (such as fortified brine shrimp and/or black worms), then transition to frozen foods when it begins eating.
• Tankmate compatibility: described as peaceful and suited to non-aggressive tankmates.
• Not reef-safe: listed as not coral safe and not invertebrate safe, so it should not be relied upon for reef (invertebrate) tanks.
• Natural habitat association: a reef-associated species that in the wild feeds on coral polyps and other invertebrate items, which aligns with the emphasis on meaty foods in captivity.
• Acclimation note: allows time for acclimation (noted as 30 minutes+).

Specifications:

• Scientific name (shop listing reference): Chaetodon collare
• Care level: Intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult size: Up to about 6 in (16 cm)
• Minimum tank size: 75 gallons
• Aquarium type / placement: Fish-only aquarium (not reef/invertebrate safe)
• Temperature range: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
• pH range: 8.0–8.5
• Salinity (specific gravity): 1.020–1.026
• Diet: Carnivore (meaty foods; may also take algae-containing foods occasionally)