Berghia Center
Chelmon muelleri Müller's pincerfish rarity
Chelmon muelleri Müller's pincerfish rarity
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- Alive arrival guarantee
- Secure express shipping
Chelmon muelleri, commonly known as the blackfin coralfish, is a medium-sized butterflyfish that looks very similar to the more popular C. rostratus. Their base color is silvery-white with silvery-gray small dots forming written horizontal lines. Above this white base color they have four vertical rusty-brown bands with a faint black border. The pelvic fins are black and they have a very long snout/mouth for pecking food out of small crevices, which is partially colored yellow. These fish are generally peaceful towards most other fish, but may harass similar fish species. They usually live in pairs over algae-covered muddy bottoms. In an aquarium they are best kept alone unless a proven pair can be found. They are true omnivores and in nature feed on small benthic invertebrates and have been known to eat Aiptasia (although some individuals may refuse to eat these). Unfortunately, like C. rostratus, they are notoriously difficult to acclimate to food after shipping. Only buy fish that are big-bellied and will eat; even then, be prepared that they may stop eating as soon as you put them in your tank. Attract them with live brine shrimp or mysis before switching them to a varied diet of frozen food. They can be a little shy at first, so you'll want to make sure they're eating well before putting aggressive and fast-eating fish in the tank. With the exception of tubeworms, most individuals will just gnaw on corals but cause no real damage; however, naughty individuals can harass soft corals and LPS!
delivery and shipping
delivery and shipping
- Shipping via UPS Express
- Next working day delivery
- Safely packed in a styrofoam box
Here are the instructions for unpacking and acclimating Berghia snails:
- Berghia snails are specialized feeders that only eat Aiptasia sp. It is important to always have enough Aiptasia for them or to pass them on in a timely manner.
- They are less suitable for larger aquariums with many fish, but if necessary they can be placed in the evening with the lights turned off using the transfer pipette.
- Direct contact between snails and Aiptasia should be avoided as this can lead to the death of the snails. The snails must make contact with the Aiptasia themselves.
- Berghia snails are ideal for controlling Aiptasia in small aquariums with peaceful fish or in separate "treatment aquariums".
- The snails delivered are not yet fully grown and can, if necessary, be fed in a separate aquarium until they reach the desired size.
- To open the Styrofoam box, simply pull on the blue ribbon. The insulated packaging does not need to be removed from the box. Allow the temperatures to equalize for around 10 minutes by placing the unopened transport container in the aquarium.
- Carefully unscrew the white lid anti-clockwise. The transport container may be full of sea water and individual snails may be stuck to the lid. If this happens, place the lid in a small bowl of sea water from the aquarium.
- Use the transfer pipette provided to remove the snails from the container and transfer them to the aquarium. Repeat the process with all snails.
- The insulated box is recyclable and can be disposed of as recyclables or used for other purposes.
- In case of a complaint, we ask for an email on the day of arrival with a photo of the snail in the transport cup for a replacement.
