Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kole Tang
IntermediateCtenochaetus strigosus
A small surgeonfish endemic to Hawaii. Fine pale-blue lines on a brown body and a gold ring around the eye. Scrapes film algae and detritus with its bristle-like teeth, making it a useful tank cleaner.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
22〜26℃
Size
Up to 15cm
Diet
Film algae, detritus, dried nori, algae-based pellets
About
The Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) is a small bristletooth surgeonfish endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll. Fine pale-blue lines run along a purplish-brown body and a gold ring surrounds the eye. Juveniles are yellowish-tan and darken with age. FishBase records a maximum of 15cm (standard length); it lives over coral, rock and rubble at 1-113m and uses comb-like teeth to scrape diatoms and detritus from surfaces. It spawns in pairs. In Hawaii it is one of the most heavily collected species for the aquarium trade. It is relatively easy to keep and a tank of 265L or more is sufficient. It grazes film algae and detritus from live rock daily and accepts dried seaweed and algae pellets. It is aggressive toward other tangs, so keep one. It does not harm corals or sessile invertebrates. A note on names: in Japanese the standard name Gomaniza refers to Acanthurus guttatus, and this species has no standard Japanese name; the trade name Kole Tang is the usual one.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Kole Tang
The Kole Tang grows to Up to 15cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Kole Tang
The ideal temperature for the Kole Tang is 22〜26℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Eastern Central Pacific (endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll)
Size
Up to 15cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Diet
Care Specifications
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Water Temp.
- 22–26℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.02–1.025
- Min. Tank
- 265 L
Semi-aggressiveReef safeSolitary
Sources: LiveAquaria / FishBase
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Kole Tang Listings
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