Butterflyfish - Pakistan

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Pakistani Butterfly, Red Tail Butterfly Fish, Collare Butterfly, Milletseed Butterfly Scientific Name: Chaetodon collare

Basic Info

The Pakistan Butterflyfish normally grows to six inches (15 centimeters) in length. They are dark red to brownish in color, with the dorsal and anal fins and the rear of the fish fading to a lighter orange color. The caudal fin retains a dark color, and is outlined in black. A white stripe is present on the Pakistan Butterfly's head, which runs up from the bottom of the fish's jaw to the front of its eye. The rest of the head is dark or black in color. The body is adorned with another, wider, white stripe, which encompasses the front of the dorsal fin, the gill covers, and the pectoral fins. Each scale is marked with a hint of yellow, giving the Pakistan Butterfly a spotted appearance.

Health

The Pakistan Butterflyfish should be kept in a tank of at least 60 gallons in volume. Temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 26 degrees Celsius), with a pH value of 8.3 or 8.4 are appropriate. Specific gravities between 1.020 and 1.023 are best for aquariums containing fish only. However, aquariums with invertebrates should have a specific gravity between 1.023 and 1.025, for the health of the invertebrates. Pakistan Butterflies should be provided with plenty of hiding places. They are normally best kept in pairs. Although many Pakistan Butterflies are reef safe, some may eat coral polyps, and may be better kept alone. Most Pakistan Butterflies eat a variety of chopped foods. In the wild, Pakistan Butterflies feed primarily on coral polyps, though many do well when kept on a variety of foods in captivity.

Habitat

Saltwater fish- Pakistan Butterflyfish are found at depths between 16 and 33 feet (5 and 10 meters).

Behavior

The Pakistan Butterfly is a beautiful and hardy species that is often kept by enthusiasts of butterflyfish. These fish can be quite interesting both in the wild and in captive environments. Despite its rather delicate outward appearance, the Pakistan Butterfly is considered to be quite hardy. They are not generally considered to be reef safe. Their natural diets consist of coral polyps, which is the reason some Pakistan Butterflies may nibble at them in an aquarium. In the wild, Pakistan Butterflyfish are found at depths between 16 and 33 feet (5 and 10 meters). They are often found in groups or pairs, although in captivity they may act aggressively to members of their own species. Pakistan Butterflyfish are often kept alone or in pairs in captivity. If they are kept in pairs, plenty of hiding places should be provided.

Origin

Indo-Pacific

History

Found in the vicinity of the Philippines and Indonesia, Pakistan Butterflyfish are also found throughout the Indian Ocean, from which they are often collected for the pet trade. They can be found in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, in addition to Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, the Gulf of Oman, and the Maldive Islands.

Common Foods

Their natural diets consist of coral polyps