Talbot's Damsel

Talbot's damsel is recognized by its lilac-gray body, its yellow snout and front of the head, and the large black spot in the middle of its dorsal fin. It reaches about 6 cm. In the wild it lives mostly alone over mixed coral and rubble areas in the coral-rich parts of outer reef slopes and deep lagoons. It is considered one of the most peaceful damselfish, and with its soft colors it suits a calm reef aquarium. The specimens sold are wild-caught.

• At least 75 liters.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe: it leaves corals, shrimp and snails alone.
• Hiding places among rocks and corals; open space where it can swim a little above the bottom.

Omnivorous; in the wild it feeds on plankton just above the bottom. Offer fine granules, flakes, frozen mysis, brine shrimp and copepods. Feeding small amounts 2–3 times a day is ideal.

Calm and peaceful; it defends the small area it has chosen, but does not constantly chase other fish. It may not get along with a second individual of its own kind in a small aquarium.

Good companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, fairy wrasses, ornamental shrimp.

Avoid: Aggressive damselfish such as the blue damsel and Fiji damsel, dottybacks, hawkfish, large predators.