Chelmon muelleri Klunzinger, 1879
Blackfin coralfish
photo by Schafer, S.E.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  20.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 2 - 10 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: found exclusively on coastal reefs and estuaries of Queensland. Recently recorded from northwestern Australia (Ref. 5978, 3131).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-30; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 18-21
Biology:  Prefer algae covered and mud bottoms areas of estuaries and coastal reefs (Ref. 9710). Usually occur in pairs. Feed on small benthic invertebrates (Ref. 9710). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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