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FishbeginnerSaltwater

Kole Tang

Ctenochaetus strigosus

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiAcanthuridae

📍 Hawaii & Johnston Atoll, Pacific Ocean

Ask Finn

Brown tang covered with fine yellow-orange spots. Excellent detritivore and algae grazer. More peaceful and compact than most tangs. Great reef fish.

Size7"
Min Tank75g
semi-aggressive
Zoneall

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.

Common Diseases

Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality and reduce stress; perform frequent water changes; use antibacterial treatments if secondary bacterial infection occurs

Velvet Disease (Amyloodinium ocellatum)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior

Treatment

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)

Symptoms

Pitting or erosion of head and lateral line areas, loss of coloration in affected areas

Treatment

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

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists