{"product_id":"pakistan-butterflyfish-chaetodon-collare","title":"Pakistan Butterflyfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Pakistan Butterflyfish, \u003cem\u003eChaetodon collare\u003c\/em\u003e, is a beautifully patterned marine aquarium fish with a deep, laterally compressed body and rich brown to charcoal coloration. Each scale is highlighted by a paler center, creating an intricate reticulated pattern, while bold black-and-white facial bands produce a dramatic masked appearance. Its vivid reddish-orange caudal fin, edged with contrasting dark and pale bands, gives this species its alternate common name, the Redtail Butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Indo-West Pacific, this butterflyfish occurs from the Persian Gulf and Maldives eastward through portions of Southeast Asia to Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Adults inhabit coral reefs, particularly reef edges and upper slopes, where they may occur in pairs or loose groups and spend considerable time browsing coral-rich structure for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith an adult length of approximately 7 inches, the Pakistan Butterflyfish is an elegant choice for a spacious fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium. Its peaceful temperament toward most unrelated fish makes it suitable for many community displays, although its specialized feeding habits, potentially challenging acclimation, and natural appetite for coral polyps require an aquarist prepared to provide frequent, varied feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Carnivore \/ Corallivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: No\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-West Pacific\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eChaetodon collare\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature marine aquarium with substantial live rock arranged to create caves, overhangs, and sheltered passages while preserving generous open swimming space. The Pakistan Butterflyfish is an active cruiser and benefits from a long aquarium with plenty of room to move comfortably between feeding and sheltering areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished rockwork is particularly useful during acclimation because it provides natural surfaces for exploratory browsing. Avoid overly crowded aquascaping that restricts movement, but include enough structure for the fish to retreat when stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate water movement, excellent oxygenation, efficient filtration, and consistently stable water quality are recommended. This butterflyfish can be sensitive during introduction, so an established aquarium is strongly preferred over a newly cycled system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure cover is advisable, especially during the acclimation period when a startled fish may make sudden movements toward the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pakistan Butterflyfish naturally feeds heavily on coral polyps and other small reef-associated animal matter, making successful dietary acclimation one of the most important aspects of its captive care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, squid, and high-quality frozen butterflyfish or marine carnivore blends. Clam or mussel presented on the half shell can be especially useful for encouraging a newly introduced specimen to begin feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce feeding consistently, quality marine pellets and frozen preparations can be incorporated for additional variety. Small amounts of spirulina-based foods or marine algae may also be accepted, but meaty marine foods should remain central to the diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed two to three times daily, with smaller frequent portions generally preferable to one large meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pakistan Butterflyfish is generally peaceful toward unrelated marine fish and can be housed with many similarly sized peaceful or semi-aggressive species. Suitable tankmates can include tangs, rabbitfish, peaceful wrasses, clownfish, and appropriately compatible angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerritorial behavior is more likely toward other butterflyfish, particularly similar-looking species. A single specimen is the most straightforward choice for most aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults naturally form pairs, and an established compatible pair can potentially be maintained together in a sufficiently spacious aquarium. Two unrelated specimens should not simply be added together with the expectation that they will pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive or extremely competitive feeders that may prevent a newly introduced butterflyfish from obtaining enough food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pakistan Butterflyfish is not reef safe. Coral polyps are an important component of its natural diet, and it may actively nip at or consume stony corals in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoft corals, zoanthids, feather duster worms, and other sessile invertebrates may also be investigated or damaged. Clam mantles and other exposed fleshy invertebrates should likewise be considered at risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor predictable long-term husbandry, this species is best maintained in a fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium rather than a coral reef display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable salinity, excellent oxygenation, and consistently clean water are more important than attempting to maintain an exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding acclimation can be challenging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Newly imported specimens may initially refuse prepared foods and benefit from clam, mussel, mysis shrimp, and other highly palatable marine foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot reef safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its natural coral-polyp feeding behavior makes stony corals and many sessile invertebrates vulnerable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent feeding is important:\u003c\/strong\u003e Several smaller meals help accommodate the feeding pattern and metabolism typical of butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature rockwork is beneficial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Established live rock provides shelter and natural browsing opportunities during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButterflyfish aggression:\u003c\/strong\u003e Although peaceful toward most unrelated fish, territorial behavior can occur toward other butterflyfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T","offer_id":52451763814698,"sku":"BUTTERxPakiT","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":52451763847466,"sku":"BUTTERxPakiS","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52451763880234,"sku":"BUTTERxPakiSM","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52451763913002,"sku":"BUTTERxPakiM","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52451763945770,"sku":"BUTTERxPakiML","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52451763978538,"sku":"BUTTERxPakiL","price":179.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52451764011306,"sku":"BUTTERxPakiX","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52451764044074,"sku":"BUTTERxPakiXX","price":269.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/PakistanButter_e63fd930-fc36-42d4-9a01-70d7bb2a13e6.png?v=1788286134","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/pakistan-butterflyfish-chaetodon-collare","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}