Collared Butterflyfish – Chaetodon collare

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 9/18 - Release Date: 10/8
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Collared Butterflyfish (Chaetodon collare), also known as the Redtail Butterflyfish, is a distinctive Indo-West Pacific butterflyfish recognized by its deep, laterally compressed body and dramatic contrasting coloration. A broad white band extends vertically behind the eye against the dark head, while the body is covered with dusky scales that become warmer toward the rear. Red-orange coloration around the caudal peduncle and a pale tail provide additional contrast. FishBase

Chaetodon collare occurs across the Indo-West Pacific, from the Persian Gulf and Maldives eastward through the Philippines and Indonesia. Adults inhabit coral reefs, particularly reef edges and upper slopes, at recorded depths of approximately 1–20 meters. They may occur in pairs or in larger groups. FishBase

Diet is an especially important consideration with this species. FishBase documents coral polyps as a natural food source and notes that the species can be difficult to acclimate to aquarium conditions. For that reason, the Collared Butterflyfish is better suited to an experienced aquarist who can devote close attention to feeding behavior and body condition. FishBase

Adults reach a maximum recorded length of approximately 18 cm (7.1 inches). Their combination of active swimming behavior, adult size and specialized feeding ecology makes a spacious, mature marine aquarium with substantial rockwork the most appropriate environment. FishBase

This specimen is offered as one of Dr. Mac’s Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Chaetodon collare Bloch, 1787
Common Name: Collared Butterflyfish
Other Common Name: Redtail Butterflyfish
Family: Chaetodontidae
Availability: Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Advanced
Temperament: Generally peaceful to moderately territorial
Reef Compatibility: Not considered reef safe
Minimum Aquarium Size: 125 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 7.1 inches (18 cm total length) FishBase
Diet: Corallivore; specialized carnivorous feeder
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide a large, mature marine aquarium with substantial swimming room and extensive rockwork. Caves, overhangs and sheltered areas give the fish places to retreat while still allowing adequate open water for swimming.

Diet and Feeding: This is the most important husbandry consideration for C. collare. FishBase documents coral polyps as part of its natural feeding ecology and specifically notes difficulty acclimating this species to aquarium conditions. FishBase

Once an individual is accepting prepared foods, offer a varied selection of marine foods such as finely chopped seafood, mysis and other small meaty foods. Feeding response and body condition should be monitored closely, particularly during the initial acclimation period.

Reef Compatibility: Not recommended for a typical coral reef aquarium. Because coral polyps are a documented natural food, stony corals should be considered at significant risk. FishBase

Temperament: Collared Butterflyfish are not generally considered highly aggressive community fish, although interactions with other butterflyfish and similar-shaped fishes should be monitored. FishBase documents adults occurring both in pairs and in aggregations on natural reefs. FishBase

Natural Habitat: Adults inhabit coral reefs, particularly reef edges and upper slopes, while juveniles have also been documented in estuarine environments. The recorded depth range is approximately 1–20 meters. FishBase