Share Your Photos
Your profile will be tagged on all media you contribute
Share Your Photos
Add your photos to help others
Suggested Tank
75+ gallons
Max Size
5 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
A compact bristletooth surgeonfish with a deep reddish-brown to purple body covered in fine orange-red spots and lines, a bright yellow eye ring, and a striking creamy-white tail. It is a tireless grazer that uses movable, bristle-like teeth to scrape film algae, diatoms and detritus from rock and glass, making it one of the most useful cleanup fish for a mature reef. Peaceful with most tankmates and corals but territorial toward other tangs, especially other bristletooths, so add it last or alone in tanks under about 125 gallons and keep a tight lid and strong flow.
Reef Safe
Yes
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.
Information might not be complete or accurate. Help the community by suggesting corrections.
Owner Reviews
Pascal
@Pascal5858
Brittney
@MalEficent
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.
Austin
@ZebraFarm.inc
Beautiful live fish that will east all your alge worry away great fir beginners and great for new tanks there very resilient and love hiding spots to sleep and get away there similar to a dog so give them there fish house
Christian
@Christian27484
One of the most gorgeous fish I’ve ever owned. Excellent algae eater, very hardy, extremely active.
Terry
@TerrysTanks
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.
For Sale
Whitetail Bristletooth Tang in the Community
Questions, photos and advice about Whitetail Bristletooth Tang from ReefBay members
-
This one made me wonders a lot. At a glance, the tip should be regular...
@Reine · 4 replies
-
Rescaped a lot while I did my weekly maintenance, everyone seems happy...
@Reine · 2 replies
-
Reef tank post by MalEficent
@MalEficent · 2 replies
-
Who says captive bred yellow tangs can’t be bright?!? Got this guy fro...
@MalEficent · 2 replies
-
Love this evening time on the reef 🥰🥰 sorry for all the reflections...
@MalEficent · 0 replies
Similar Fish
Other medium fish you might like
Write a Review
Whitetail Bristletooth Tang
Ctenochaetus flavicauda
