Kole tang
Ctenochaetus strigosus
Kole tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) is a marine species with an adult-size reference of about 18 cm. It needs at least 300 litres and one individual, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Temperatura da água
24 - 27 °C
Valor de pH
8.1 - 8.4
Tipo de água
Marinho
Nível do tanque
Todos os níveis
Tamanho adulto
18 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 300 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 1
KH
8 - 12 dKH
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A marine species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Ctenochaetus strigosus; the verified classification records genus Ctenochaetus, family Acanthuridae, subfamily Acanthurinae, order Acanthuriformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Kole tang is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The minimum reference is one individual; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Kole tang needs an aquarium of at least 300 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of one individual. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is herbivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a marine species; the card's reference values are 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is reef-safe with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “egg scattering”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Caudal-peduncle spines can injure; avoid bare-hand handling. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
A marine species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origem
Oceanos tropicais e recifes
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Territorial
- Kole tang has a generally territorial temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Dieta
- Herbivore
- This species has specialized mouthparts designed for rasping detritus and diatom algae from surfaces rather than tearing large macroalgae. Its diet must be heavily plant-based, featuring marine algae sheets, spirulina flakes, and vegetable pellets. Small amounts of meaty foods, like mysis or brine shrimp, should be offered occasionally to balance its nutritional intake.
- Expectativa de vida
- 5-12 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 18 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Solitary
- Kole tang is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The reference minimum is one individual and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- To replicate their constant natural grazing, they should be fed small amounts two to three times daily. A daily strip of dried seaweed (nori) placed on an algae clip is highly recommended. This ensures they have a constant food source to pick at throughout the day, preventing malnutrition and stress.
- Carga biológica
- Medium to High
- The Kole Tang produces a moderate bioload typical of medium-sized, active marine fish. Since it continuously grazes on algae and produces waste, excellent biological filtration and efficient protein skimming are required. Consistent aquarium maintenance is key to keeping nutrients low and water quality pristine.
- Fluxo
- Strong
- Kole Tangs appreciate moderate to strong water flow, which mimics the surge zones and reefs they inhabit in the wild. Good circulation ensures that the rockwork remains clear of detritus buildup, promoting the growth of the microalgae they prefer to eat. High oxygenation provided by strong surface agitation is also highly beneficial.
- Risco de salto
- No
- Reprodução
- Egg scatterer
- Captive breeding of the Kole Tang is virtually unheard of in standard home aquariums. They are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm directly into the pelagic zone where fertilization occurs. The long, complex planktonic larval stage requires specialized live foods and precise environmental controls found only in commercial aquaculture facilities.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Reef safe with caution
- The cohabitation profile is reef-safe with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Nível do tanque
- All levels
- They are highly active fish that will utilize the entire aquarium, roaming from the bottom rocks to the upper water column. Much of their time is spent near the rockwork and substrate, actively searching for diatoms and detritus. They also enjoy open swimming spaces in the middle of the water column.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.502
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.02291, b = 3.03
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade de baixa a moderada (28 / 100)
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