Common name: Blackfin coralfish
General information
Mueller's Butterflyfish, also known as the Blackback Butterflyfish, is a striking species appreciated for its unique coloration and patterns. This fish is characterized by its silver-white body with black vertical stripes and a distinctive black patch on the dorsal fin. It is a member of the family Chaetodontidae, which is known for its diverse and colorful species.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live foods, can adapt to frozen.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at slow-moving fish.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyButterflyfishChaetodontidae
- GenusCopperband ButterflyfishChelmon
- SpeciesBlackfin coralfishChelmon muelleri Klunzinger, 1879
- SynonymsChelmo muelleri Klunzinger, 1879Chelmo mulleri Klunzinger, 1879Chelmon mulleri Klunzinger, 1879
Care
Chelmon muelleri requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are not considered reef-safe as they may nip at corals and invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, including mysis shrimp and marine flakes, is essential for their health. They can be shy and may require a peaceful tank environment to thrive.
Reproduction
Little is known about the breeding habits of Mueller's Butterflyfish in the home aquarium. In the wild, they are likely to form pairs during the breeding season and release eggs into the water column, which then become part of the plankton.
Habitat
Mueller's Butterflyfish is found in the Western Pacific, from the Great Barrier Reef to the coasts of Indonesia and the Philippines. They prefer shallow, coral-rich areas and are often seen in pairs or small groups.