Talbot’s Damselfish

Also known as Talbot’s Demoiselle, Talbot’s Damsel

The Talbot’s Damselfish is a small and elegant reef fish admired for its soft lavender to pale purple body contrasted by a bright yellow tail. Native to shallow reef zones of the Indo-Pacific, this species is known for its relatively gentle temperament compared to many other damselfish. Its manageable size, peaceful nature, and reef-safe behavior make it an excellent choice for nano reefs and community aquariums when given proper space and shelter.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Chrysiptera talboti
• Common Names: Talbot’s Damselfish, Talbot’s Demoiselle, Talbot’s Damsel
• Adult Size: Around 2.5 inches (≈ 6 cm)
• Lifespan: Approximately 5 years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive but generally mild for a damselfish
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe. Does not harm corals or live rock
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (≈ 75 liters) for a single specimen
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat
Talbot’s Damselfish is found in shallow coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, including regions around Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. It prefers protected reef areas with branching corals and rubble zones, where it shelters among coral heads and rock crevices rather than open water.

Tank Environment

• Live rock with caves and tight hiding spots
• Moderate water flow similar to shallow reef conditions
• Open areas combined with sheltered zones
• Best kept in mature, well-cycled aquariums

Recommended Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–80 °F (≈ 23–27 °C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4

Diet & Feeding

Talbot’s Damselfish is an omnivore that readily accepts a wide range of aquarium foods.

Recommended Foods

• High-quality marine flakes or pellets
• Frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp
• Finely chopped seafood
• Occasional algae-based or spirulina foods

Feeding Schedule

• Feed once or twice daily
• Offer small portions to maintain water quality

Behavior & Compatibility

• Generally peaceful, especially when kept singly
• May defend a small territory if crowded
• Less aggressive than many other Chrysiptera species
• Suitable for community reef tanks

Suitable Tank Mates

• Clownfish, gobies, blennies, wrasses
• Peaceful reef fish and reef-safe invertebrates
• Avoid very aggressive or highly territorial species

Reef Compatibility

• Fully reef-safe
• Does not nip corals or disturb rockwork
• Suitable for mixed reef and nano reef systems

Acclimation & Care Tips

• Introduce into a stable, cycled aquarium
• Provide hiding spaces immediately to reduce stress
• Maintain consistent water parameters
• Feed a varied diet for color and health

Signs of a Healthy Specimen

• Active swimming and alert behavior
• Clear eyes and intact fins
• Soft lavender body with a bright yellow tail
• Strong feeding response

Color & Development

• Pale lavender to light purple body
• Bright yellow caudal fin
• Juveniles and adults maintain similar coloration
• Reaches full size at around 2.5 inches

Special Considerations

Talbot’s Damselfish is one of the calmer damselfish species but can still become territorial in small tanks or crowded conditions. Providing adequate space, rockwork, and compatible tank mates helps prevent aggression. Stable water quality is essential, especially in smaller aquariums where parameter swings can occur quickly.

Breeding Potential

Talbot’s Damselfish are egg-layers that may form pairs in captivity. Eggs are typically laid on rock surfaces and guarded by the male until hatching. While spawning behavior may occur in home aquariums, successful rearing of larvae is rare due to their small size and specialized feeding needs.

Why Choose a Quarantined Talbot’s Damselfish?

A quarantined Talbot’s Damselfish arrives healthy, parasite-free, and already adjusted to aquarium foods and conditions. Quarantine ensures better survival, reduced stress, and smoother integration into reef systems. With its gentle temperament, compact size, and soft yet striking coloration, this species is a beautiful and dependable addition to both beginner and experienced reef aquariums.