Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus Strigosus)
Size: only S,M
Species Name : Ctenochaetus Strigosus
Care Level : Moderate
Temperament : Semi-aggressive
Color : Tan, Yellow, Blue, Burgundy
Diet : Herbivore
Reef Compatible : Yes
Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size : 7"
Origin : Eastern Central Pacific
Family : Acanthuridae
Minimum Tank Size : 70 gallons
Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus Strigosus) is known by many names including the Striped Bristletooth and Goldring Bristletooth. They are classified as “Bristletooth” tangs because they have small, sharp, and flexible comb-like teeth that help to browse varieties of detritus material as well as algae from the surfaces of rocks and sand.
Ctenochaetus Strigosus has an oval body shape with bold markings that change with maturity. As a juvenile, it has a yellow-gold to tan colored body with stripes and spots. When mature, the body color darkens, giving it a sophisticated brown coloration with blue to burgundy hue. Depending on what part of the world it is from, it can have either a majority of spots or stripes highlighting the body.
A 70 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. The ideal aquarium should also have a significant amount of live rock and live sand to support natural algae growth and detritus build-up as natural food, which will give them a place to graze because they will graze constantly.
It is aggressive towards other Tangs, therefore, it is best to only keep one per tank. This fish should not bother your crabs and shrimp or nip at corals and is considered to be reef safe.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week.
Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Large: 4-1/4" to 6-1/4"