The Orange Stripe Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus), , is a hardy, peaceful algae grazer well-suited for reef tanks. Its constant picking at rocks and glass helps control film algae, making it a functional and attractive addition to marine aquariums.

🐟 Orange Stripe Bristletooth Tang Description:

• Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus strigosus

• Common Names: Orange Stripe Bristletooth Tang

• Origin: Hawaii and central Pacific

• Size: Up to 7 inches (18 cm)

• Coloration: The Orange Stripe Bristletooth Tang is the only member of the genus to be found extending as far as the Red Sea. It has orange spots along an olive body with wavy blue lines extending head to tail.

• Temperament: Generally peaceful

• Lifespan: 5–10 years or more with good care

🧪 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 70–90 gallons

• Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH Level: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH

• Aquascape: Live rock with grazing surfaces and some open swimming space

🥬 Diet:

• Herbivorous (especially detritivore):

  • Grazes on film algae, detritus, and diatoms

  • Supplement with nori, spirulina flakes/pellets, and veggie-based foods

  • May accept frozen mysis or brine, but primary diet should be plant-based

Feed 2–3 times daily for optimal health and to minimize territorial behavior.

🤝 Compatibility:

• Reef Safe: Yes – completely safe with corals and inverts

• Tankmates:

  • Peaceful community fish

  • Less aggressive than most other tangs; usually coexists well unless housed with other bristletooth or similar-shaped tangs

  • Best kept as the only tang in smaller tanks (under 125 gallons)

💡 Care Notes:

• Bristle-like teeth are adapted for scraping algae and biofilm, not for tearing macroalgae

• Very active grazer – a great addition for algae control

• May initially be shy, but usually becomes more bold over time

• Less prone to aggression than Acanthurus or Zebrasoma tangs

• Like all tangs, can develop lateral line erosion or ich if stressed or undernourished

📝 Summary:

Would you like help comparing the Kole Tang to other algae grazers like the Tomini or Scopas Tang?