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Kole Tang
Ctenochaetus strigosus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Acanthuridae
📍 Hawaii & Johnston Atoll, Pacific Ocean
Brown tang covered with fine yellow-orange spots. Excellent detritivore and algae grazer. More peaceful and compact than most tangs. Great reef fish.
Care Guide
Diet
Kole tangs are primarily herbivorous grazers and detritivores that spend much of their time consuming algae and organic detritus from rocks and substrate. Feed high-quality marine herbivore pellets or flakes daily, supplemented 3-4 times weekly with blanched vegetables (nori seaweed, spirulina) and occasional frozen foods like mysis shrimp. A well-established reef with natural algae growth significantly reduces the need for supplemental feeding.
Behavior
Kole tangs are relatively peaceful compared to other tangs, making them excellent reef inhabitants. They are active swimmers that occupy all water levels, constantly grazing on surfaces and displaying curious, non-aggressive behavior toward most tank mates. They may show mild territorial behavior toward other tangs or similar-sized fish, but generally remain docile.
Breeding
Breeding Kole tangs in captivity is extremely rare and has not been reliably documented in home aquariums. They require specific environmental triggers and larval rearing conditions that are difficult to replicate outside professional facilities. Hobbyists should not expect breeding success.
Tank Mates
Peaceful reef fish with similar water requirements and non-aggressive temperament
Compatible herbivore; provide adequate space to minimize territorial disputes
Shares similar grazing behavior and peaceful demeanor; excellent algae control partner
Beneficial symbiotic relationship; helps maintain fish health
Peaceful reef dweller with compatible water parameters
Small, peaceful, and provides cleaning services without competing for food
Common Diseases
Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Increase water temperature to 26-27°C, maintain excellent water quality, use copper-based treatments or hyposalinity therapy; quarantine infected fish if possible
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality and reduce stress; perform frequent water changes; use antibacterial treatments if secondary bacterial infection occurs
Velvet Disease (Amyloodinium ocellatum)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior
Increase temperature to 26-27°C, reduce light exposure, use copper treatments or hyposalinity; maintain excellent aeration and water quality
Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)
Pitting or erosion of head and lateral line areas, loss of coloration in affected areas
Improve diet with quality herbivore foods, vitamin supplements, and varied nutrition; ensure excellent water quality and stable parameters
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- diet
- herbivore/detritivore
- maxSize
- 7 inches
- salinity
- 1.023–1.025 SG
- minTankSize
- 70 gallons
- temperature
- 73–79°F (23–26°C)
Temperature
73–79°F
23–26°C