Margined coralfish
📖 Overview
Margined coralfish (Chelmon marginalis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Chaetodontidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 18 cm. It occurs at depths between 1 and 30 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9 - 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29 - 33; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 21 - 22. Juveniles have a posterior bar and dorsal fin spot which fade and disappear with growth.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Margined coralfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Form pairs during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 30 m . Tropical; 10°S - 30°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Chelmon Marginalis is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 119 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Margined coralfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelmo tricinctus | Castelnau | 1875 | Synonym |
| Chelmon rostratus marginalis | Richardson | 1842 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Margined coralfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Margined coralfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.