Whitetail Bristletooth Tang

Ctenochaetus flavicauda

Suggested Tank

125+ gallons

Max Size

10 inches

Difficulty

Medium

Temperament

Semi-Aggressive

Description

The Whitetail Bristletooth Tang is a vibrant, colorful saltwater fish that is prized for its unique appearance and active behavior. It has a slim, oval-shaped body with a mix of yellow, blue, and white coloration. The fish gets its name from its bristle-like teeth, which it uses to scrape algae off rocks and corals.

Reef Safe?

Yes, but with caution. While the Whitetail Bristletooth Tang is generally safe for reef tanks, it can potentially damage corals when it scrapes off algae.

Environment

The Whitetail Bristletooth Tang needs a large tank with plenty of swimming space. It also requires plenty of hiding spots, which can be provided by rocks and corals. The tank should also have a strong water flow to mimic its natural habitat.

Behavior

This species is known for its active behavior. It spends most of its time swimming around the tank, foraging for food. While generally peaceful, it can be territorial towards other Tangs, especially those of the same species.

Owner Reviews

Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👍 Yes
What You Feed: Nori and frozens

My bristletooth whitetail is a voracious eater. Constantly out and about grazing on rocks. Eats frozens and nori. Never see her not eating haha. Beautiful fish. Great personality. Never bothers any of her tank mates.

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Always Visible
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Min Tank Size: 160 Gallons
Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👍 Yes
What You Feed: Rods Vegetarian, Nori, PE Mysis

One of the most gorgeous fish I’ve ever owned. Excellent algae eater, very hardy, extremely active.

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Always Visible
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Difficulty: Easy
Min Tank Size: 75 Gallons
Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👍 Yes
What You Feed: Nori, mysis shrimp, pellets

This is a beautiful tang but more on the shy side. It is an active swimmer and is constantly swimming through the rocks to eat algae, but hides when a person approaches the tank. It can be aggressive towards other bristletooth tangs, but generally peaceful with other types.

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Moderate Visibility
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Min Tank Size: 100 Gallons
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