Talbot's Damselfish (Chrysiptera talboti) Care Guide

Widely regarded as one of the most peaceful damselfish species, making it a rarity in this notoriously feisty family. Features a pastel pink to lavender body with a yellow dorsal area.

Overview

Chrysiptera talboti is a species in the family Pomacentridae. Widely regarded as one of the most peaceful damselfish species, making it a rarity in this notoriously feisty family. Features a pastel pink to lavender body with a yellow dorsal area. Stays small at 6 cm and thrives in reef aquariums without harassing tankmates. An ideal community marine fish for beginners.

Taxonomy

Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Chrysiptera
Scientific name: Chrysiptera talboti
Other names: Talbot's Demoiselle
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Western Pacific

Habitat

Distributed across the western Pacific from Indonesia, the Philippines and the Ryukyu Islands south to the Great Barrier Reef and east to Fiji. Inhabits coral-rubble bottoms and the bases of coral heads on outer reef slopes at depths of 5-35 m. One of the most peaceful damselfishes in the trade.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 4-6 cm
Lifespan: 4-8 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 3
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Firefish Goby, Royal Gramma, Small Wrasses
Avoid with: Aggressive Damsels, Large Predators

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: substrate-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate