NaH2O
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This weeks installment of "Fish of the Week" will cover a few tang/surgeonfish species of the Genus Ctenochaetus.
The genus Ctenochaetus means comb bristle (cteno=comb; chaeto=hair or bristles). One characteristic that sets this genus apart from other Surgeonfish genus is the teeth. As the name indicates, the teeth of this genus are numerous, bristle-like, individual and flexible. Their mouths protrude and aid in the rasping of microalgae, diatom, and other detritus deposits. This action simulates brushing off of the rock and substrate. Another interesting characteristic of these tangs is their stomach. Because of the manner in which these tangs eat, they also take in sand and rock. The stomach has to accommodate this, so it is thick walled and acts as a chamber where the ingested sand/rock helps with the mastication of food material. These tangs don't "grasp and tear at algae" like other genus, it is important to have a system with plenty of live rock, as supplemental feedings may not be adequate. The growth on live rock will help meet the nutritional demands and natural behavior of the fish.
Depending on species, the fish of this genus can range in size from 5-11 inches. Provide plenty of swimming room, live rock, and hiding areas.
Personality-wise, Ctenochaetus sp. are normally easy-going as far as tangs go, with regards to other fish, including tangs of different genus (provided a difference in size). Always keep an eye on them when working in the aquarium, as the caudal peduncular spine can create a nice laceration resulting in the unsuspecting aquarist yelping in discomfort. It has also been noted that occasional swelling and acute pain occurs at the wound site from the spine.
When choosing a specimen, be sure to observe the mouth. Any injury, swollen lips and/or discoloration around the mouth, could spell doom. Also, check for signs of other diseases and malnourishment.
Collection should be done with caution. Netting can not only cause harm via the spine, but the mouth, as well. Avoid damaging the both.
I picked a few of the more commonly seen species. Please share your experiences, and post pictures of your prized Ctenochaetus sp.
Ctenochaetus strigosus:
Common names include: Kole Tang, Goldring Bristletooth, Yelloweye Bristletooth, Yelloweye Surgeonfish, Yelloweye Kole Tang, Striped Bristletooth, and Spotted Surgeonfish
This is one of my favorite tangs, and found quite often in the hobby. The Kole Tang comes from the Eastern Central Pacific region: endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island. It grows to a size of ~7 inches. The coloration of this tang is brownish blue to burgandy, with a burgundy yellow/gold ring around the eye. As juveniles, they are more of yellow-gold to tan in color. Adults from the Pacific region have distinct stripes on their body, while Indian Ocean inhabitants show distinct spots. Feed a diet consisting of mainly vegetable matter, and provide plenty of live rock.
Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis:
Common names include: Chevron Tang, Black Surgeonfish, Hawaiian Bristletooth, and Hawaiian Surgeonfish
Another tang found in the hobby. The Chevron Tang comes from Pacific Ocean: throughout most Oceania, from the Hawaiian Islands and Pitcairn Island; To the islands of Micronesia; Society and Austral Islands. It grows to ~11 inches in size. The juveniles coloration differs from that of the adult. The color of a juvenile is orange with blue chevrons/herringbone pattern. Adults are a dark olive-brown with thin lines on the body, appearing to be uniformly black. Just like the Kole Tang, the Chevron Tang should be provided a diet of vegetable matter, like seaweed, in conjunction to adequate amounts of live rock.
Ctenochaetus tominiensis:
Common names include: Tomini Surgeonfish and Bristletooth Tomini Tang
The Tomini Tang is found Western Central Pacific: Bali and Sulawesi (Indonesia), Solomon Islands, and Palau. It grows to a size of ~5 inches. Again the juveniles have a different appearance than the adult form. Juveniles are tan with yellow, blue and white highlights, and a forked caudal fin. Adults have a solid body color, the tail becomes blue, while the dorsal and anal fins are tipped with a golden-yellow hue. The area above the eyes has small golden flecks with a golden half circle beneath. Also, in adults the caudal fin is more cresent shaped. Feeding requirements, like the others, should be vegetable matter/seaweed, and provide live rock.
The genus Ctenochaetus means comb bristle (cteno=comb; chaeto=hair or bristles). One characteristic that sets this genus apart from other Surgeonfish genus is the teeth. As the name indicates, the teeth of this genus are numerous, bristle-like, individual and flexible. Their mouths protrude and aid in the rasping of microalgae, diatom, and other detritus deposits. This action simulates brushing off of the rock and substrate. Another interesting characteristic of these tangs is their stomach. Because of the manner in which these tangs eat, they also take in sand and rock. The stomach has to accommodate this, so it is thick walled and acts as a chamber where the ingested sand/rock helps with the mastication of food material. These tangs don't "grasp and tear at algae" like other genus, it is important to have a system with plenty of live rock, as supplemental feedings may not be adequate. The growth on live rock will help meet the nutritional demands and natural behavior of the fish.
Depending on species, the fish of this genus can range in size from 5-11 inches. Provide plenty of swimming room, live rock, and hiding areas.
Personality-wise, Ctenochaetus sp. are normally easy-going as far as tangs go, with regards to other fish, including tangs of different genus (provided a difference in size). Always keep an eye on them when working in the aquarium, as the caudal peduncular spine can create a nice laceration resulting in the unsuspecting aquarist yelping in discomfort. It has also been noted that occasional swelling and acute pain occurs at the wound site from the spine.
When choosing a specimen, be sure to observe the mouth. Any injury, swollen lips and/or discoloration around the mouth, could spell doom. Also, check for signs of other diseases and malnourishment.
Collection should be done with caution. Netting can not only cause harm via the spine, but the mouth, as well. Avoid damaging the both.
I picked a few of the more commonly seen species. Please share your experiences, and post pictures of your prized Ctenochaetus sp.
Ctenochaetus strigosus:
Common names include: Kole Tang, Goldring Bristletooth, Yelloweye Bristletooth, Yelloweye Surgeonfish, Yelloweye Kole Tang, Striped Bristletooth, and Spotted Surgeonfish
This is one of my favorite tangs, and found quite often in the hobby. The Kole Tang comes from the Eastern Central Pacific region: endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Island. It grows to a size of ~7 inches. The coloration of this tang is brownish blue to burgandy, with a burgundy yellow/gold ring around the eye. As juveniles, they are more of yellow-gold to tan in color. Adults from the Pacific region have distinct stripes on their body, while Indian Ocean inhabitants show distinct spots. Feed a diet consisting of mainly vegetable matter, and provide plenty of live rock.
Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis:
Common names include: Chevron Tang, Black Surgeonfish, Hawaiian Bristletooth, and Hawaiian Surgeonfish
Another tang found in the hobby. The Chevron Tang comes from Pacific Ocean: throughout most Oceania, from the Hawaiian Islands and Pitcairn Island; To the islands of Micronesia; Society and Austral Islands. It grows to ~11 inches in size. The juveniles coloration differs from that of the adult. The color of a juvenile is orange with blue chevrons/herringbone pattern. Adults are a dark olive-brown with thin lines on the body, appearing to be uniformly black. Just like the Kole Tang, the Chevron Tang should be provided a diet of vegetable matter, like seaweed, in conjunction to adequate amounts of live rock.
Ctenochaetus tominiensis:
Common names include: Tomini Surgeonfish and Bristletooth Tomini Tang
The Tomini Tang is found Western Central Pacific: Bali and Sulawesi (Indonesia), Solomon Islands, and Palau. It grows to a size of ~5 inches. Again the juveniles have a different appearance than the adult form. Juveniles are tan with yellow, blue and white highlights, and a forked caudal fin. Adults have a solid body color, the tail becomes blue, while the dorsal and anal fins are tipped with a golden-yellow hue. The area above the eyes has small golden flecks with a golden half circle beneath. Also, in adults the caudal fin is more cresent shaped. Feeding requirements, like the others, should be vegetable matter/seaweed, and provide live rock.
