Chelmon muelleri, also known as the blackfin coralfish or Muller’s coralfish, is a captivating marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. Let’s dive into some fascinating details about this elegant underwater creature:
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Appearance:
- The blackfin coralfish boasts a silvery white body adorned with four wide brown vertical bars.
- At the base of its posterior dorsal fin, there’s a striking large black ocellus.
- Its dorsal fin contains 9-10 spines and 26-30 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 18-21 soft rays.
- This species reaches a total length of approximately 20.5 centimeters (8.1 inches).
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Distribution:
- Endemic to Australia, Chelmon muelleri inhabits the waters from the Kimberley Island groups in Western Australia to the southern Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.
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Habitat and Behavior:
- You’ll find this species on shallow coastal reefs where live coral cover is minimal.
- It thrives in areas with a seabed of mud or silt or extensive algae cover.
- Chelmon muelleri can be spotted at depths of up to 20 meters (66 feet).
- While adults are usually seen in pairs, juveniles tend to be solitary.
- Their carnivorous diet includes worms, clams, tunicates, and crustaceans.
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Taxonomy and Etymology:
- German zoologist Carl Benjamin Klunzinger formally described Chelmon muelleri in 1879, with the type locality given as Port Denison in Queensland.
- The specific name honors the German physician, geographer, and botanist Ferdinand von Mueller.
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Aquarium Trade:
- Although rarely seen in the aquarium trade, when it does appear, Chelmon muelleri commands high prices.
Next time you explore the underwater wonders, keep an eye out for the graceful blackfin coralfish!
