Chelmonops curiosus
Chelmonops curiosus, also known as truncate coralfish, truncate butterflyfish, western talma, or squareback butterflyfish, is a butterflyfish (family Chaetodontidae) found only in Australia. It lives along the south coast from Victor Harbor, South Australia, to Shark Bay, Western Australia.
Description
It has a very deep, tall body and a steel-grey background color with four vertical black bars edged in silver that become broader toward the tail. The pelvic fins are black, and juveniles have a spot on the soft dorsal fin that fades as they mature. It grows up to about 26 cm in length.
Habitat and behavior
This fish prefers coastal rocky reefs and vertical rock faces, often in turbid water and sometimes on man-made structures like pylons and jetties. Juveniles are commonly found among seaweed beds, while adults are usually seen in pairs and are territorial.
Diet and reproduction
Chelmonops curiosus is omnivorous, eating small worms, crustaceans, and algae. They breed in pairs and defend their territory.
Conservation and use
The species is listed as Least Concern. It is occasionally collected for the aquarium trade but is rarely exported from Australia.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 14:20 (CET).