Chelmon marginalis, also known as the margined coralfish or Western beaked butterflyfish, is a captivating marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. This delightful reef fish is endemic to Australia and boasts some intriguing features:
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Appearance: The silvery white body of Chelmon marginalis is adorned with two slender orange bars on its head and front section. Additionally, it sports a wide yellowish or yellowish-orange band near the caudal peduncle. Unlike adults, juveniles exhibit a bar towards the tail and an ocellus on the dorsal fin, which gradually fade as they mature.
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Size: These charming fish reach a maximum total length of approximately 18 centimeters (7.1 inches).
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Habitat: Chelmon marginalis prefers coastal coral and rocky reefs, making appearances on outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and nearshore island reefs.
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Diet: As carnivorous connoisseurs, they feast on benthic invertebrates such as crabs, shrimps, and polychaetes.
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Breeding: Solitary by nature, they form pairs during breeding, and their reproductive process is oviparous.
While Chelmon marginalis is rarely exported and thus uncommon in the aquarium trade, its unique appearance and behavior make it a fascinating addition to marine ecosystems.
