Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Kole Tang is a small, laterally compressed tang with a distinctive yellow-brown body and characteristic dark brown to black vertical stripes running along the sides. The face and gill area are yellowish, and the dorsal and anal fins display the striped pattern. A small, light-colored spot or ring may be visible near the tail base.
Diet and feeding
Feed primarily dried seaweed, nori, and spirulina-based herbivore pellets multiple times daily. Supplement with occasional vegetable matter. The Kole Tang grazes constantly on algae films in the reef tank and should not be overfed supplemental foods, as it prefers to forage naturally.
Difficulty and care for the Kole Tang
The Kole Tang is moderately difficult and best suited to established reef aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing. It requires stable water conditions, consistent feeding of algae-based foods, and a tank of at least 75 gallons to thrive long-term. Compatibility with passive tankmates is generally good, though newly introduced specimens may require acclimation.
Common health issues
Ich (white spot disease), marine velvet, fin erosion, nutritional deficiencies if insufficient algae present
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands, Maui, and Kona regions. Native to coral reef environments from East Africa through the Central Pacific.
Log Kole Tang in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Kole Tang alongside everything else in your reef.
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