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Western talma (Chelmonops curiosus) — Chaetodontidae

Western talma

Chelmonops curiosus

The Western talma (Chelmonops curiosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
51.0–57.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The western talma is a butterflyfish relative (Chaetodontidae) from temperate reef waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 26 cm and has a deep, white body with a few orange-brown vertical bands and an extended, beak-shaped snout. With this it picks invertebrates from crevices of rocky reefs. It often lives in pairs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Western talma?

The Western talma has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Western talma live?

The Western talma lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Western talma get?

The Western talma grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Western talma dangerous to humans?

No, the Western talma is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Westelijke snavelkoraalvis sourced
English name
Western talma sourced
Scientific name
Chelmonops curiosus
Family
Chaetodontidae
Other names
Southern butterflyfish; Squareback butterflyfish; Square-back coralfish; Talma; Truncate butterflyfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
51.0 verified
Max depth (m)
57.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chelmonops

More from the family Chaetodontidae

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