Pakistan Butterflyfish

Facts about the Pakistan Butterflyfish, it is species from the genus Chaetodon is biologically termed as Chaetodon colare which is its species name. The Pakistan Butterflyfish also has several other English names i.e., Redtail Butterflyfish and Collare Butterflyfish.

Physical attributes
The bodies of the Pakistan Butterflyfish are laterally compressed and disc-like in shape.
The Pakistan Butterflyfish are long with a minimum length 18 centimeters or 7 inches for the adults. The Pakistan Butterflyfish have an attractive combination of white, tan, and black colors with a red tail as one of its names suggests. The attribute of the red tail however is only for adults. This is because the juveniles have been seen to posses green tails.
The Pakistan Butterflyfish appear to be spotted due to its lighter colored scales on the black body. The Pakistan Butterflyfish have capabilities of living up to 10 years with proper care if in captivity and between 5 years to 7 years if in the wild.

Location
The Pakistan Butterflyfish hails from the western areas of the indo-pacific oceanic zones. The Pakistan Butterflyfish can be located between the depths of 3 meters and 15 meters from the surface of the water near the coral reefs while the juveniles among them are mostly located in estuaries. The Pakistan Butterflyfish thrive best in saline waters of PH 8.3-8.4 and temperatures of between 220C-270C.

Eating habits
The Pakistan Butterflyfish is seen to possess a carnivorous eating habit as it mostly feeds on the soft stony corals while in the wild oceanic zones and shrimps and fish meat while in captivity in aquariums.

Social habits
The Pakistan Butterflyfish species move either in pairs or in shoals of at least 15 to 20 individuals. The Pakistan Butterflyfish also exhibit characteristics of shyness around specific aggressive types of fish. This explains their habit of not moving around often rather staying in stationary places.

Lifecycle
The female Pakistan Butterflyfish release their egg spawns in scattered manners which reside on the surface with the planktons to its hatching period. Later on after developing its features, the Pakistan Butterflyfish move on to the estuaries where after reaching maturity stage, they move on to the coral zones for mating and spawning.

Health
The Pakistan Butterflyfish is fairly hardy fish species. Despite of this, the Pakistan Butterflyfish are still susceptible to diseases like, the white spot disease (marine ich) and marine velvet which are both very infectious. For those in aquariums, it is best to note by the keepers that its coral polyps diet does not match every medication and therefore professional advice must be sought in case of a disease breakout.

Significance of the Pakistan Butterflyfish
The Pakistan Butterflyfish are used as fish pets and kept in aquariums. This in turn provides employment to some people.
The Pakistan Butterflyfish's feeding habits, i.e. corals, are seen to have a great impact in the decrease of corals in the areas where they dwell heavily while in the wild.

Conclusion
The peaceful Pakistan Butterflyfish require quite a skilled hand to keep in captivity. While in the wild, it is best to protect them by carrying out activities requiring the involvement of oceanic waters habiting them, in a safe manner so as not to compromise on their survival.