Chelmon rostratus 6-9 cm

The Chelmon rostratus or Long-beaked Butterflyfish is a white butterflyfish with orange stripes. Near the upper anal fin, it has a black ocellus. Additionally, this specimen has a long snout that allows it to feed in cavities that are otherwise unreachable under normal circumstances. Whether solitary or in pairs, this animal tends to be quite territorial and not very accommodating with its conspecifics. On the contrary, interspecific relations are very good.

If you wish to keep the Chelmon rostratus, an aquarium of at least 300L is required. Additionally, the water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 26°C, and the pH between 7.7 and 8.5. Carnivorous, it enjoys small prey and tubeworms. Very sensitive to changes in its environment, it is crucial to monitor its maintenance parameters daily. Maintenance is reserved for experienced aquarists.

A difficult fish to feed! The Chelmon is undoubtedly among the most difficult fish to feed. The success of feeding remains uncertain for this species. A journey always triggers a change in behavior; just moving it to a different aquarium will already disrupt it significantly. It's complicated to predict, but in our tanks without decorations, they eat opened oysters and brine shrimp before shipment. However, everything changes once in another environment rich in microfauna, etc. It is very rare for Chelmons to eat pellets or flakes before a few months in your aquarium.

We only sell fish that are feeding, on fresh oysters and garlic-enriched brine shrimp. Garlic is very, very attractive to Chelmons.

Common name: Copperband Butterflyfish. This fish has a gray body with five vertical orange bands and an elongated snout that allows it to feed in the most inaccessible cavities. It is an "aiptasia eater"; in our aquariums, it feeds on inert food (its favorite remains brine shrimp), so no problem.