Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus)

Care Level - Moderate

Temperament- Semi-aggressive

Reef Safe - Yes

Max Size - 7"

Min. Tank Size - 70 gallon

Ctenochaetus strigosus is known by many names including the Striped Bristletooth and Goldring Bristletooth. Both C. strigosus and the Spotted Bristletooth (C. striatus) are sometimes called Kole Yellow Eye Tang, Yellow Eye Tang, or Yelloweye Surgeonfish.

C. 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. It is aggressive towards other Tangs, therefore, it is best to only keep one per tank. It will not harm sessile invertebrates in the reef tank environment.

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. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.

Approximate Purchase 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"