Blue-eyed Kole tang

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and the Tuamotu Islands. Inhabits coral-rich reefs and rubble areas.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Acanthuridae family. Identified by its brownish-orange body and two black spots near the caudal peduncle on the dorsal and anal fins. Grows to 20 cm (8 inches).

Social Behavior: Constantly active and alert. Peaceful towards other reef inhabitants, but territorial towards similarly sized algae-eating fish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light orangey-brown body with fine light-blue longitudinal lines. Features striking bright blue eyes. No visible external sexual differences.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank volume of 250 liters (65 gallons) with a dense array of mature live rocks to provide grazing surfaces and shelter.

Diet and Feeding: Grazes constantly on diatom algae and organic film. Supplement with dried nori sheets, spirulina, and high-quality herbivore pellets.

Water Quality: Requires stable marine parameters: temperature 24-27°C (75-81°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12. Strong current is important.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Safe for reef corals and invertebrates. Do not house with other Ctenochaetus. Introduce to the tank after more peaceful tankmates.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unrecorded in domestic systems. Broadcast spawners with pelagic larval phases that drift in open sea currents.

Risks and Diseases: Prone to marine ich if stressed. A varied diet enriched with vitamin C and garlic helps prevent skin diseases and promotes color retention.