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Talbot's Damselfish

Chrysiptera talboti

Also called Talbot's demoiselle

SpeciesShort profile

From Western Pacific, from the Andaman Sea east to Fiji, north to Palau and south to the Great Barrier Reef; also recorded in Tonga1

At a glance the quick version

Length5.7 to 6 cm123
Sizesmall
Bright two-tone colouring
Hardy and easy to care for
Reef safe with corals
3

Looks how to spot one

Small, deep-bodied damselfish

A compact little damselfish with a sunny yellow head and yellow belly fins set against a soft bluish body, plus a bold dark spot near the back of the dorsal fin.23

Coloursyellowbluelilac-blueblack spot23

Personality what they are like

Lively and confident. Like many damselfish it grows a little more territorial as it matures, so it does best when it can claim its own nook in the rockwork.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active by day, darting around coral and rubble and picking food from the water just above the bottom.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide plenty of rock caves and hiding spots so it can settle into a territory, and feed a varied diet a couple of times a day.3

Home where they are happiest

Minimum about 30 US gallons (114 L) with live rock and hiding places. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore. In the wild it picks zooplankton near the bottom; in the aquarium offer a mix of meaty foods, herbivore preparations and quality flakes.13

Company who they like around

Usually seen on its own in the wild and kept singly in the aquarium; works well with peaceful to semi-aggressive tankmates when enough shelter is available.13

The story where it all began

Gerald Allen described the species in 1975. Its name honours Frank Talbot, the Australian Museum director and fisheries scientist who collected the type specimen.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It lives on coral-rich reef slopes and deep lagoons at roughly 3 to 35 metres down.1

  2. 2

    Its species name honours Frank Talbot, a former director of the Australian Museum in Sydney.2

  3. 3

    Males take on guard duty, watching over and fanning the eggs, which stick to the reef surface.1

  4. 4

    Adults stay small, reaching only about 6 cm in length.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 2021)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Talbot's Damselfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Talbot's Damselfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day with small portions. A varied diet a couple of times a day helps keep your fish healthy and active.3 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Talbot's Damselfish eat, and what should it never eat?

This omnivore enjoys a mix of meaty foods, herbivore preparations, and quality flakes, just like its natural diet of zooplankton. Avoid any foods not designed for marine fish, and always check with a vet or good breeder for specific concerns.13

How much space does a Talbot's Damselfish need?

A minimum of about 30 US gallons (114 L) is recommended, with plenty of live rock and hiding places. This gives your fish room to claim its own nook and stay comfortable.3

What temperature, light or water does a Talbot's Damselfish need?

Keep saltwater at 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Furry Diary's plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly salinity tests to keep conditions stable.3 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Talbot's Damselfish's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly and doing a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Regular water tests and top-ups with fresh RO water also help maintain a clean environment. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Talbot's Damselfish live with others?

Yes, it can live with peaceful to semi-aggressive tankmates if there is enough shelter. In the wild it is usually seen alone, so it is often kept singly, but it can share a tank with compatible fish when hiding spots are available.13

How long does a Talbot's Damselfish live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, it is best to ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet who knows this species well.

Can I handle a Talbot's Damselfish?

Handling is not recommended as it can stress the fish and damage its delicate slime coat. Enjoy watching its lively, confident behavior from outside the tank instead.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FishBase: Chrysiptera talboti summary fishbase.seused for origin, size, habitat, diet, reproduction, IUCN
  2. Wikipedia: Chrysiptera talboti en.wikipedia.orgused for history, naming, colour
  3. LiveAquaria: Talbot's Damselfish liveaquaria.comused for care, water parameters, tank size, temperament, colour

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.