Striated Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The striated surgeonfish has an elongated, slightly compressed brown or tan body with prominent vertical darker stripes running from head to tail. It features a distinctive comb-like dentition (hence the genus name Ctenochaetus), a venomous spine at the base of the tail characteristic of surgeonfishes, and a pointed snout adapted for grazing on algae and detritus.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, offer a variety of dried seaweed (nori), spirulina flakes, and herbivore pellets. Supplement with fresh vegetables like blanched spinach or zucchini. Feed herbivore staples daily; this species is a constant grazer that benefits from frequent small meals or continuous access to algae.
Difficulty and care for the Striated Surgeonfish
Moderate difficulty. The striated surgeonfish requires a well-established reef with mature biological filtration, consistent water parameters, and abundant algae or supplemental herbivore foods. It is less aggressive than many tangs but still needs adequate space and stable conditions.
Common health issues
Ich (marine velvet), head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), parasites, nutritional deficiencies from inadequate algae grazing.
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa east to the Hawaiian Islands and Polynesia, found in coral reef environments from shallow lagoons to deeper reef slopes.
Log Striated Surgeonfish 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 Striated Surgeonfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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