Striped Bristletooth (Ctenochaetus marginatus)
Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Striped Bristletooth is a small tang with a laterally compressed, rounded body displaying distinctive vertical stripes running across its brown to tan base coloration. It features a characteristic bristle-like snout and small eyes, with fine combs of teeth specialized for grazing on algae.
Diet and feeding
Feed high-quality herbivorous flake foods, dried seaweed (nori), and algae-based pellets. Provide regular portions of fresh vegetable matter. The species grazes naturally in the aquarium on available algae growth.
Difficulty and care for the Striped Bristletooth
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections (ich, velvet), poor coloration from inadequate diet, aggressive territoriality
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East African coast to the central Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
Log Striped Bristletooth 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 Striped Bristletooth alongside everything else in your reef.
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