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(chelmon rostratus)
Saltwater
These fish are native to the Indo-Pacific region especially around Australia and can be a rare find, unlike their Philippine and Indonesia cousins, who are easy to find for the aquarium. Fragile fish, they are collected and handled with more care than their cousins. Also known as a Beaked Coralfish, it is the first choice of fish used in a reef tank to get rid of the aiptasia anemones. These are white fish with yellow vertical stripes finely outlined in black. They have yellow fins and a black eye-spot on the posterior dorsal fin. The mouth/nose is elongated. Unlike their cousins, the very light grey vertical lines that run through out the body, are more readily seen. It's the only real difference between the two in coloration.
Size: med. 3" to 4"; lg. 4" to 5"
No. in Tank: ONE!
Tank: min. 80 gallon
Temperament: Peaceful
Food: (Omnivore) It is a very difficult fish to feed and is a shy and deliberate eater. Will need to offer a variety of foods until find one acceptable to the fish. Feed three times a day.
Light: High
Adaptation: A delicate and fragile fish, especially the small sized, it needs a well-balanced aquarium with exceptionally high quality water. Also a fragile fish that requires careful handling when introducing it into the aquarium. Acclimates slowly.
Compatibility: Best in a peaceful, community tank without other butterflyfish, even its own species. Will be OK in a large reef system, but will nip at soft corals and small polyped stony corals. Stress-inducing fish are an absolute no-no!
**BEST FOR EXPERIENCED AQUARISTS
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