Care
The Collare Butterflyfish can do well in captivity if purchased at an appropriate size and acclimatised very carefully to spacious aquaria. It is not suitable for reef tanks - in the wild it feeds mainly on coral polyps, so within the confines of the aquarium, prized corals will be damaged beyond repair. Unfortunately, this is a fish that may prove challenging to wean onto aquarium foods. Juvenile fish under 7.5cm (3”) in length are often much more reluctant to start feeding, hence the size recommendation. Collare Butterflyfish are best kept either singly or in large groups added simultaneously, to avoid aggression. They should not be housed with any other butterflyfish species as they will show much hostility towards each other. The tank should contain an abundance of rockwork for the fish to hide amongst, with an open swimming area along the front of the aquarium. As with all butterflyfishes, this delicate species demands excellent water quality - thoroughly filtered and well oxygenated, with areas of decent current. Not recommended for beginners. May also be seen on sale as Pakistan Butterflyfish.
Feeding
Can be tricky. Offer a wide variety of foods, fed in small amounts several times per day. Frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped clam/mussel/cockle/crab/shrimp/squid etc should be given. Ensure the larger foodstuffs are chopped into small enough pieces on account of butterflyfish having tiny mouths.
Breeding
The Collare Butterflyfish has not been bred in the home aquarium. In the wild, this species forms distinct pairs and eggs are scattered in open water.
