Whitetail Bristletooth Tang

(Ctenochaetus flavicauda)

Ctenochaetus Tangs should be added to aquariums with plenty of swim room and rockwork, caves and crevices for grazing and hiding. Tank size should be considered before purchasing as the adult Ctenochaetus Tangs can become quite large. Also known as surgeon fish because of the sharp spine at the base of their tail. This "scalpel" is used for protection, handle carefully as it is very sharp. considered reef safe but may pick at small, mobile and sessile invertebrates if not well fed. Provide a varied diet of algae based foods including Spirulina and nori. Ctenochaetus Tangs have been known to be aggressive towards similarly shaped Tangs. House with other peaceful tank mates that will not nip at fins.

The Whitetail Bristletooth Tang are also known as the Red Spotted Tang. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Juvenile and adult Whitetail Bristletooth Tangs will have different color patterns. Juveniles are a quite beautiful bright yellow color as they mature they begin to take on a red body color with orange spots on their head and lines on their body. They can grow to a little over 6".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 70 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietHerbivoreHerbivore
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh