{"product_id":"marginal-butterfly-fish-chelmon-marginalis","title":"Marginal Butterfly Fish | Chelmon marginalis","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn Australian cousin of the Copperband, the Marginal Butterflyfish is clean and elegant with a long snout for picking at rock. A rewarding fish for a patient, mature-tank keeper.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarginal Butterfly Fish occurs around Northern Australia and southern New Guinea coastal reefs. In the wild it is associated with reef faces, lagoons, coral bommies, rubble zones or open outer-reef water depending on the species. These environments are warm, oxygen-rich and highly stable, with abundant live rock surfaces, small crustaceans, plankton, worms, algae films, sponge growth and coral-associated life. Replicating that stability in captivity is more important than chasing quick fixes. A mature aquarium with biological filtration, good gas exchange and established microfauna gives this species the best chance of adapting to prepared foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarginal Butterfly Fish has the classic butterflyfish profile: a thin, disc-like body, pointed snout or elegant fins depending on the species, and clean reef colours that stand out under marine lighting. Adult size is typically around 18 cm. Patterning is used for recognition, camouflage and social signalling on the reef. Many butterflyfish show eye stripes, body bands, yellow highlights or contrasting black-and-white markings, while bannerfish and idols carry elongated dorsal filaments that create dramatic motion in open water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is best described as Peaceful to semi-peaceful. It should be housed with tank mates that allow it to feed confidently and do not harass it during the settling period. Suitable companions include peaceful tangs, rabbitfish, gobies, wrasse, anthias, chromis, cardinalfish and other non-aggressive marine fish of appropriate size. Avoid mixing with highly aggressive triggers, large predatory wrasse, bullying damsels or established fish that dominate feeding areas. Multiple butterflyfish can work in larger aquariums, but shape, diet and territorial behaviour need to be considered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet based on Carnivorous picker; frozen mysis, clam, mussel, blackworms and small meaty marine foods. Feed small amounts two to three times daily while the fish settles, then maintain a consistent routine. Newly arrived butterflyfish often respond well to frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, clam on the half shell, finely chopped prawn, mussel and specialist sponge or angelfish formulas. Soaking foods in vitamins can help condition the fish. Do not rely on dry food alone until the fish is eating strongly and maintaining body weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMinimum aquarium size is 280 L, with 380 L+ recommended for long-term care. Maintain temperature at 24–26°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity at 1.024–1.026 specific gravity. Moderate to strong water movement, bright to moderate marine lighting and strong protein skimming are recommended. Provide open swimming space as well as caves, ledges and live rock for grazing and security. Complete regular water changes of 10–20% and keep nitrate and phosphate controlled. Reef status is With caution; coral safety: Usually coral-safe but may pick at worms or fleshy sessile invertebrates; invert safety: Caution with ornamental worms. Special consideration: Australian species that appreciates a mature reef-style aquarium and calm tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCaptive breeding is uncommon in home aquariums. Most butterflyfish are broadcast spawners that release eggs and sperm into the water column, producing tiny pelagic larvae that require specialist rearing systems and live planktonic foods. Pair bonding can occur in some species, but successful larval rearing is generally beyond standard aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChelmon marginalis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarginal Butterfly Fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNorthern Australia and southern New Guinea coastal reefs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–10 years with excellent care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful to semi-peaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to advanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e280 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e380 L+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivorous picker; frozen mysis, clam, mussel, blackworms and small meaty marine foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.024–1.026 specific gravity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature marine aquariums, reef-with-caution systems or FOWLR setups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWith caution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include peaceful tangs, rabbitfish, wrasse, gobies, blennies, anthias, chromis, cardinalfish and other calm marine species that will not outcompete it aggressively at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid housing with large predators, aggressive triggers, very territorial damsels, bullying angels or delicate coral displays if the species is listed as reef safe with caution or not reef safe.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55351823368483,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55225834766627,"sku":"AA3683","price":85.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55351823401251,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-18cm)","offer_id":55351823434019,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Marginal_Butterflyfish_Chelmon_marginalis_221fe22d-8fee-40c7-9598-667d2bfb08e3.jpg?v=1781681221","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/marginal-butterfly-fish-chelmon-marginalis","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}