Talbot's Cardinalfish, also known as Talbot's Dottyback, is a small and colorful fish species belonging to the Pseudochromidae family. These fish are found in the Western Pacific Ocean, specifically in the coral reefs around the Philippines and Indonesia. They were first discovered in 1921 by Max Carl Wilhelm Weber and are named after Mr. E.H. Talbot who collected the holotype specimen.

Talbot's Cardinalfish is a relatively small fish species that grows up to 6 cm in length. They have a compressed and elongated body with a rounded head and large eyes. Their dorsal fin extends from the head to the tail and is continuous with the caudal and anal fins. The caudal fin is slightly forked, and the anal fin is shorter than the dorsal fin. They have a small mouth with sharp teeth that help them feed on small invertebrates and zooplankton.

Talbot's Cardinalfish are known for their vibrant and attractive coloration. They have a dark blue or purple body with seven to eight white stripes that run horizontally along their sides. Their eyes are yellow or orange, and they have a red or orange stripe running from the mouth to the eye. The dorsal and anal fins are also edged with orange or red. The coloration of these fish can vary slightly depending on their habitat and individual variation.

In terms of behavior, Talbot's Cardinalfish are peaceful and social fish that form large schools in the wild. They are known to be territorial and will defend their space from other fish species. These fish are active during the day and rest in small crevices and caves at night. They are popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their beautiful appearance and peaceful nature.

In conclusion, Talbot's Cardinalfish is a small and colorful fish species that are popular in the aquarium trade. Their striking coloration and peaceful nature make them an attractive addition to a reef tank. Their natural habitat is threatened by coral reef degradation, overfishing, and pollution, so it is crucial to maintain sustainable practices when collecting them for the aquarium trade.