Kole Tang

The Kole Tang is a modestly sized yet remarkably attractive member of the bristletooth tang group, distinguished by its chocolate-brown to dark olive body covered in fine horizontal yellow-gold stripes that shimmer beautifully under aquarium lighting. Its most striking feature is its vivid golden-yellow eye ring, which gives it the alternate common name of Yellow Eye Tang. Unlike the blade-like teeth of other tang genera, Ctenochaetus species possess flexible, comb-like teeth specifically adapted for scraping detritus and microalgae films from rock surfaces, making them exceptionally useful algae-control fish in reef aquariums.

In the home aquarium, the Kole Tang is one of the most functional and underappreciated tangs available. While it may lack the flashy coloration of a Yellow or Blue Tang, it more than compensates with its tireless work ethic as an algae grazer. This species spends virtually its entire day methodically combing every surface in the aquarium, consuming diatoms, cyanobacteria films, and microalgae that other tangs ignore. It is one of the best fish available for controlling nuisance algae on live rock and glass without disturbing corals or invertebrates. Its relatively modest adult size of around 7 inches also makes it suitable for smaller reef systems than most other tangs.

The Kole Tang is generally peaceful toward dissimilar species but can show aggression toward other tangs, particularly those of the same genus. It is an excellent choice for aquarists who want the algae-grazing benefits of a tang without the large tank requirements of species like the Blue or Yellow Tang. Hawaiian specimens are considered the hardiest and most desirable, though collection restrictions have made them less available and more expensive in recent years. With proper care and a diet supplemented with nori and vegetable-based prepared foods, the Kole Tang is a hardy, disease-resistant fish that adapts well to captive life.