Blue-lip Bristletooth

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Great Barrier Reef, Marshall Islands, and Samoa. Found on shallow coral reef flats and slopes.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Acanthuridae. Grows to a maximum of 16 cm. Features specialized, flexible comb-like teeth designed for scraping biofilm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful towards most tankmates. Constantly grazes on rock surfaces for diatoms, microalgae, and detritus. Solitary.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Yellow juveniles transition to orange-brown adults with fine blue lines, yellowish head spots, and brilliant blue lips. Genders are identical.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 300 liters. Requires stable rockwork with lots of open surface areas for algae grazing. Good water current is appreciated.

Diet and Feeding: Herbivore/Detritivore. Provide dried seaweed (nori), spirulina pellets, and high-quality flakes, alongside frozen foods like mysis.

Water Quality: Keep temperature at 22-28°C, pH 8.0-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.026 SG. High-grade filtration and stable parameters are essential.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful. Compatible with other reef fish. May fight with other Ctenochaetus species or similarly shaped tangs.

Aquarium Reproduction: Broadcast spawner. Group spawning occurs at dusk. Larvae are pelagic and have not been reared in captivity.

Risks and Diseases: Highly susceptible to marine ich and skin parasites; UV sterilizer is recommended. caudle spines can cause deep cuts during handling.