ANIMAL SPECIES:Eastern Talma, Chelmonops truncatus (Osbeck, 1765)
The Eastern Talma can be recognised by its colouration and shape. It has a tubular snout, steep nape, and tall, pointed dorsal and anal fins that have vertical posterior margins. It is brown or silver with five dark bands. The first passes through the eye, the next three are progressively broader, and the fifth crosses the caudal peduncle. Juveniles look similar to the adults, but have an ocellus on the dorsal fin.
Alternative Names/s
It has also been called the Truncate Coralfish.Identification
The Eastern Talma can be recognised by its colouration and shape. It has a tubular snout, steep nape, and tall, pointed dorsal and anal fins that have vertical posterior margins.
It is brown or silver with five dark bands. The first passes through the eye, the next three are progressively broader, and the fifth crosses the caudal peduncle. Juveniles look similar to the adults, but have an ocellus on the dorsal fin.
Size range
The species grows to 22 cm in length.Similar Species
The similar Western Talma, Chelmonops curiosus, has higher dorsal and anal fins and a deeper body than the Eastern Talma.Distribution
The Eastern Talma is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Habitat
The species is found in coastal bays, estuaries and deeper reefs, in depths of 5 m to 70 m.
Classification
- Species:
- truncatus
- Genus:
- Chelmonops
- Family:
- Chaetodontidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life; the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Kuiter, R. H. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992. (asSquareback Butterflyfish)
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
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An Eastern Talma at Cabbage Tree Island View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
An Eastern Talma at Bowen Island View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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