Kole tang
Ctenochaetus strigosus · Acanthuridae
Also known as Yellow-eyed tang, Bristletooth tang
Intermediate
The best film-algae cleaner of the tangs and the most peaceful; fits a mid-sized reef.
In short: A kole tang needs at least 265 L (70 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 265 L (70 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 18 cm (7.1 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe; scrapes rock, not coral tissue.
- With inverts
- Reef safe.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 265 L (70 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 250 L (66 US gal)
- Aggression
- Mild for a tang.
- Feeding
- Grazes all day; supplement with nori.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 265 L (70 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Diet
- Herbivore/detritivore — grazes film algae, plus nori and pellets.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Hawaii and central Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Rock and rubble reef
- Natural conditions
- Moderate to strong flow.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- ClownfishGobiesWrassesAnthias
- Avoid
- Other bristletooth tangs
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- No external difference.
- Notes
- Not bred in captivity.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichHLLE
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