Chelmon marginalis Richardson, 1842

Body Base Coloration

Chelmon marginalis has a silvery white body with two slender orange bars across its head and the front portion of its body. It also has a wide yellowish or yellowish-orange band positioned close to the caudal peduncle.

Adult Fin Markings

Adult individuals of this species do not have a false eyespot, or ocellus, on the dorsal fin.

Juvenile Markings

Juveniles have an additional bar near the tail and an ocellus on the dorsal fin; these markings fade and eventually disappear completely as the fish matures.

Fin Ray Count

The dorsal fin of Chelmon marginalis has between 9 and 10 spines and 29 to 33 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 21 to 22 soft rays.

Maximum Size

This species reaches a maximum total length of 18 centimetres, which equals 7.1 inches.

Endemic Status

Chelmon marginalis is endemic to Australia.

Geographic Range

Its range extends from the Houtman Abrolhos in Western Australia, along the coasts of northern Australia, to the northern Great Barrier Reef and the reefs of the Coral Sea off Queensland.

Primary Habitat

This species occurs mostly on coastal coral reefs and rocky reefs.

Secondary Habitat

It can also be found on outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and around nearshore islands.

Diet

It is a carnivorous fish that preys on benthic invertebrates including crabs, shrimps, and polychaetes.

Social Behavior

It is typically a solitary species, and forms breeding pairs.

Reproduction

This species reproduces via oviparous breeding.