Where to buy Redtail Butterflyfish
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About Redtail Butterflyfish
Chaetodon collare is a yellow and white butterflyfish with distinctive black markings. The head is predominantly white with a black vertical band through the eye, and the body transitions to pale yellow on the flanks. A prominent red or orange-red tail (caudal fin) gives this species its common name, contrasting sharply with the pale body coloration.
Key facts
- Feeding Schedule
- 2-3 times daily
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending to the Indo-Malaysian Archipelago and Philippines. Occurs in coastal reef environments from shallow reefs to approximately 80 meters depth.
- Max Size
- 7
- Diet Details
- In captivity, feed a varied diet of high-quality meaty foods including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped fish flesh, supplemented with vegetable matter such as nori or spirulina-based preparations. Feed 2-3 times daily in smaller portions.
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Min tank size
- 70 gallons
- Difficulty Level
- Chaetodon collare is moderately difficult to keep. While hardy once acclimated, it can be a selective feeder initially and requires stable water conditions. Success depends on proper acclimatization, varied diet, and adequate tank size.
- Appearance
- Chaetodon collare is a yellow and white butterflyfish with distinctive black markings. The head is predominantly white with a black vertical band through the eye, and the body transitions to pale yellow on the flanks. A prominent red or orange-red tail (caudal fin) gives this species its common name, contrasting sharply with the pale body coloration.
- Care Level
- Moderate
- Care Requirements
- • Minimum 75-gallon aquarium; adults need 100+ gallons • Water: 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.3, SG 1.020-1.025 • Reef-safe; prefers coral-rich environment with hiding spots • Feed varied diet: mysis shrimp, copepods, small meaty foods daily • Moderately hardy; can be aggressive toward similar butterflyfish species
- Common Health Issues
- Parasitic infections (ich, marine velvet), bacterial infections, nutritional deficiencies, feeding refusal in newly imported specimens
- Diet
- omnivore
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