Eastern Talma

Chelmonops truncatus bears a close resemblance to the Western talma (C. curiosus), the main difference being that the dorsal fin is truncated, compared to the long filament present on the western species. The fins and dark bands on the body are often tinged vinaceous, giving them a dark, red appearance in some light. Like other butterflyfishes the juveniles have an obvious ocellus on the dorsal fin, but this smudges and becomes less obvious as the fish matures. The smooth profile of the rear part of the dorsal fin is more obvious in younger fish, and this part of the fin becomes slightly elongated in adults. The rear margin of the soft dorsal and anal fins is almost vertical in adults, the fins are more rounded in juveniles. This species attains a maximum total length of 22 centimetres (8.7 in).

Chelmonops truncatus is endemic to south eastern Australia where it occurs from Double Island Point in southern Queensland south to around Jervis Bay in New South Wales.