Talbot's damselfish (Chrysiptera talboti)

Latin name

Chrysiptera talboti

Other name

Talbot's demoiselle

Identification

The species is named after the fisheries scientist Frank H. Talbot, director of the Australian Museum in Sydney, a collector of the species.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13.

Fish colouring

Talbot's damselfish has a yellow head, yellow pelvic fins and a large black spot on the back of the dorsal fin.

Distribution

Widespread throughout the western Pacific: Andaman Sea in the eastern Indian Ocean to Fiji, north to Palau, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef. Recently recorded from Tonga.

Habitat

Marine tropical species. Adults inhabit coral-rich areas on seaward reef slopes and deep lagoons. Depth ranges from 3 to 35 meters.

Size

These fish reach six centimeters (2.4 inches) in length.

Behavior

These fish are usually found alone on coral and gravel areas. A diurnal species. Does not migrate.

Food and feeding habits

Feed on zooplankton close to the bottom. 

Reproduction

Egg-laying, mating during reproduction. Eggs are on the bottom and attached to the substrate. Males guard and aerate eggs.

Fishing

This species has little commercial value. They are sometimes caught for sale to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. In the aquarium, this species leads a peaceful lifestyle, showing cowardice when confronted with more aggressive congeners.