Eastern Talma, Chelmonops truncatus (Kner, 1859)

Scientific name: Chelmonops truncatus
Alternative name/s:
Coralfish, Talma, Truncate Coralfish
Similar species:
The similar Western Talma, Chelmonops curiosus, has higher dorsal and anal fins and a deeper body than the Eastern Talma.
Eastern Talma, Chelmonops truncatus Click to enlarge image
An Eastern Talma at Cabbage Tree Island, Port Stephens, New South Wales, April 1998. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Chelmonops
    Species
    truncatus
    Family
    Chaetodontidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 22 cm in length.

Introduction

The Eastern Talma can be recognised by its colouration and shape. It is endemic to Australia.

Eastern Talma, Chelmonops truncatus

Eastern Talma, Chelmonops truncatus From photographic album of prints from negatives c1880s.

Image: Henry Barnes
© Australian Museum

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.

Habitat

The species is found in coastal bays, estuaries and deeper reefs, in depths of 5 m to 70 m.

Distribution

The Eastern Talma is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life; the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. 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)
  3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.