Margined Coralfish

Chelmon marginalis

Endemic to Australia, the Margined Coralfish, also known as the Western Beaked Butterflyfish, is a unique reef fish with a silvery white body. It features two thin orange bars on its head and front body, complemented by a broad yellowish band near its tail. Unlike some other butterflyfish, adults do not have a false eyespot on the dorsal fin, a feature that juveniles display but lose as they grow. The species can grow up to 18 centimeters in length. This fish is found along the coastal coral and rocky reefs of northern Australia, extending from Western Australia to the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea off Queensland. It inhabits depths between 1 and 30 meters, often seen on outer reef slopes and around nearby islands. The Margined Coralfish is carnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates like crabs, shrimps, and worms. While usually solitary, these fish form pairs for breeding, which involves laying eggs. Though not frequently seen in the aquarium trade, divers may spot the Margined Coralfish at various dive sites. They tend to be solitary, but pairs can be observed during the breeding season. The IUCN categorizes the Margined Coralfish as Least Concern.