Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Yellow Eye Kole Tang may be one of the most iconic and well known bristletooth tang species in the hobby. Members of Ctenochaetus are among some of the most efficient algae grazers and the Yellow eye kole tang is no exception. An adult Yellow eye kole tang has a deep maroon to purple colored oval body, with faint horizontal stripes across the length of its body, and a bold yellow ring around its eye. These features delineate it from other similar species such as the Gold-ring Spotted Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus truncatus). A Yellow eye kole tang can reach a size of approximately 7″. Note: With a limited distribution around the Hawaiian Islands, the Yellow eye kole tang has become unavailable to order due to the suspension of collecting in Hawaiian waters that began in early 2021. The demand and price for this tang has thus subsequently increased.
Diet Requirements: In the wild tangs are primarily herbivorous. A diet largely consisting of algae-based foods is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, immune function, and reduce aggression. Vegetable based flake foods or frozen foods, that may also include spirulina algae, are excellent options. We also recommend offering dried seaweed on a rock or clip three times a week minimum. Yellow eye kole tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 125 gallon aquarium is ideal. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 75 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. This tang enjoys a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge, but also should be provided with open swimming space. Typically, Ctenochaetus species are only semi-aggressive and territorial in nature toward each other, often behaving peacefully toward other tank-mates. However, if you want to house various types of tangs together, it is best to add them all at once, or closely together at the very least, for the best success. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Medium: 2-1/2″ to 3″; Large: 4-1/2” to 5”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
