Chevron Tang

(Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis)

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 Chevron Tang are also known as the Chevron Surgeonfish. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Juvenile and adult Chevron Tangs will have different color patterns. Juveniles have a quite beautiful blue variegated pattern against an orange background as they mature their color begins to deepen to a dark orange with blue irregular horizontal lines. They can grow to a little over 10".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 180 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 DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food DietHerbivoreHerbivore
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
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