Indian Gold Ring Bristletooth Tang

Indian Gold Ring Bristletooth Tang

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ctenochaetus truncatus

Overview
Reef Compatible: YES
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Docile
Origin: South Asia/Africa

The Indian Gold Ring Bristletooth (Ctenochaetus truncatus) is a captivating fish found in the Indian Ocean. It closely resembles its Pacific counterpart, the Yellow-eyed or Kole Tang (C. strigosus), but with a unique coloration. Here are some key features of this species:

• Appearance: The adult Indian Gold Ring Bristletooth has a light reddish-brown body adorned with tiny white spots. Their fins are yellow, and the outermost margins, especially the dorsal and anal fins, are edged in a bright electric blue. Their eye is surrounded by a yellow circle, and their chin and belly area lack spots. Juveniles are all yellow.
• Size: Males grow up to 6.3 inches (16 cm), but they reach 5 inches in the first 4 years and then grow much slower after that. Females are smaller, and this genus typically lives for about 35 years.
• Feeding Behavior: Like other Bristletooth Tangs, they have rows of small, flexible, comb-like teeth (up to 30 teeth) that they use to lift and sift through algae and detrital material. You’ll often see little lip marks on the aquarium glass where algae used to be.
• Tank Size: Although they’re among the smallest and least active surgeonfish, they still need plenty of naturally growing food and accumulated detritus. A tank with enough live rock to support their diet is essential.
• Compatibility: Peaceful and suitable for peaceful community reef tanks or fish-only tanks. They won’t harm corals or invertebrates.

Remember to closely examine their mouth area when purchasing, and avoid any tangs with redness or swelling. These fish are valuable additions to reef environments, especially when housed with other peaceful tangs in a spacious tank.