Animal Species:Eastern Talma, Chelmonops truncatus (Kner, 1859)

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

An Eastern Talma at Cabbage Tree Island

An Eastern Talma at Cabbage Tree Island
Erik Schlögl © Erik Schlögl

Alternative Name/s

Coralfish, Talma, 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.

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.

Chelmonops+truncatus

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Eastern Talma specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

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
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Eastern Talma, Chelmonops truncatus, Chaetodontidae, brown, silver, 'normal fish', triangular body, 10 cm - 30 cm, stripes or bands, dark bands, marine, adult,