The Margined Coral Fish, Western Beaked Butterflyfish, Willemawillum – Chelmon marginalis is a captivating species of marine fish, renowned for its striking appearance and distinctive beak-like mouth. This captivating fish is a common sight in coral reefs, showcasing its vibrant colors and intricate patterns amidst the diverse marine life.
Description & Characteristics
The Chelmon marginalis is easily recognizable by its elongated, compressed body and distinctively pointed snout. The fish boasts a striking yellow and black color pattern, with a prominent black stripe running along its body, edged with white margins, which is where it gets its common name. A bright orange patch is present at the base of its dorsal fin. The Chelmon marginalis can reach a maximum size of 18.0 cm, and is often seen in schools of up to six individuals.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Chelmon marginalis is a reef-associated fish, typically found in shallow waters, ranging from depths of 1.0 to 30.0 meters. This fish is a common inhabitant of coral reefs and rocky reefs, favoring areas with abundant corals and algae. It often occupies areas with high coral cover in tropical and subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the western Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, including regions like the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and Australia. The Chelmon marginalis is an inhabitant of the tropical zone of the ocean and therefore, a prevalent presence in the Indo-Pacific marine zone.
Taxonomy
The species Chelmon marginalis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Chaetodontidae. This family is commonly known as the butterflyfish family, and comprises over 120 species with an impressive array of vibrant colors and intricate patterns. These fish are known for their graceful movements and their ability to navigate complex coral reefs with ease.
Feeding
The Chelmon marginalis is a food specialist, primarily feeding on a diet of small invertebrates. These include Amphipods, Brine Shrimps, Copepods, Daphnia salina, Lobster eggs, Mosquito larvae, and Mysis. They are adept at using their long, pointed snouts to pick out their prey from crevices and among coral branches. They are also known to accept frozen foods, particularly larger-sized varieties, as well as live food items. The Chelmon marginalis plays an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems.
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