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FAQs about Bristletooth Tangs, Genus Ctenochaetus
Selection Related Articles: Ctenochaetus, Naso,
Related FAQs: Ctenochaetus Tangs 1, Ctenochaetus Tangs 2, Ctenochaetus
Identification, Ctenochaetus Behavior,
Ctenochaetus Compatibility,
Ctenochaetus Systems,
Ctenochaetus Feeding, Ctenochaetus Disease,
Ctenochaetus Reproduction,
Surgeons
In General, Tang
ID,
Tang Behavior,
Compatibility, Systems,
Feeding, Disease,
A C. tominiensis in N. Sulawesi.
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Re: Ick Remedy, Ctenochaetus sel.
- 7/2/08
As an update, I still have not used the ParaGuard, so alas, I cannot give
you any feedback. We seemed to have reached the symbiotic relationship in the
tank with the ick and the fish... I have seen a cyst or two once in a while, but
has been what, a week now? We've had no major outbreaks and seemingly no
concerns. I have been feeding with Garlic Extreme and a vitamin supplement, and
they seem to be doing very well.
<Good... is a place... perhaps not the ideal one... that I'd hoped for you>
My questions now turn to Tangs, and I saw a tang at a major chain store which
really caught my eye. I did not purchase the tang, as I don't like to purchase
livestock from these stores due to the frequent ick sightings in their tanks...
however this fish was very gorgeous and I know it was there by mistake. It's
something I'd like to try in the future if I can get one from another vendor.
I've done some research on the fish, as best I can... it's called a Flame Fin
Tomini Tang.
<A very nice Ctenochaetus species appearance wise and for aquarium use>
My reading so far consists of your book and perusing the FAQ here, and there's
not a whole lot of data. Mainly I am looking for resilience and compatibility
info, so bear with me. The two tangs I have now, the yellow and the Atlantic
Blue, are of different genus, which is what I attribute to their compatibility
which is very good. The Passer angel causes more flak between them, which is
nothing more than a tail flick here or there. This fish, the Tomini Tang, is
from a third genus altogether, and if I'm not mistaken, a different geographical
range. Your book mentions the other two species in the genus, mainly the Kole
Tang, and most of the FAQ has to do with the Kole Tang. I've found a few
references to the Tomini in FAQ, but nothing specific.
I was wondering if you might take a few lines to tell me your thoughts on this
fish and it's compatibility and it's durability.
<Is a sturdy member of a tough genus... readily accepts foods, aquarium
conditions. However, I hasten to add that this fish, likely any addition of
members of the entire suborder Acanthuroidei, are not for you here... Your tank
is already "tang-ed out"... with the two you have, and unfortunately the
addition of another is too likely to bring about too strong/virulent a comeback
in the Crypt>
It is quite the gorgeous fish, not sure if I'd even add it at all, but something
I might consider now or sometime in the future.
<In another system>
Once again, we all appreciate your time spent and thoughts on our various needs,
questions, and issues.
Thanks so much,
Thomas Roach
<Thank you for this update Thomas. BobF>
2 tangs in a 75 gallon
aquarium? 11/18/07
Hello crew,
<Hello Tony.>
I have a question regarding the addition of another fish to my reef aquarium.
The aquarium is 75 gallons with a 75 gallon wet dry sump (30-40 gallons of which
are partitioned into a refugium growing Chaeto and Gracilaria) and well over 100
lbs of live rock. The water parameters are as follows:
Spg: 1.024
Ph: 8.2
Nitrates: 0
Nitrites 0
Ammonia: 0
The only current inhabitants of the tank are a 2" yellow tang and some cleaner
shrimp. I have waited one month since the acquisition of the yellow tang and am
now ready to add another fish. I have read a lot about tangs on your site and
can't seem to understand what the general consensus is as far as how many tangs
one can have in a tank this size.
<It is about territoriality and the need Tangs have for swimming space. In some
instances Tangs survive in smaller systems, it is just not what is best for the
fish. The small quarters stress the fish and make them susceptible to all sorts
of maladies.>
Some seem to think that a 75 gallon isn't even sufficient in the long run, while
others have 4-5 tangs in 100-125 gallon systems.
I would like to add a Kole tang to my tank as my next fish but wanted to know
your thoughts on this. I will be living in my current house for another 2 years
or so and don't see myself upgrading to a bigger tank before then. The only
other fish that I would definitely like to add are a mated pair of clowns and an
anemone. Would a 75 gallon be sufficient for this? Thanks ahead of time for all
your help and the wealth of knowledge that is available to aquarists because of
your site.
Tony
<The Kole would be a better choice for your tank, but I would just wait until
you can upgrade to the bigger tank. I understand there are many conflicting and
confusing accounts on tank size for Tangs. It is much like keeping a Mandarin in
a 30 gal tank that has survived for six months. Just because it works for a
while doesn’t necessarily entail that everything going ok. Could you imagine
five full grown Tangs in a 100 gallon tank? Yikes! Your tank would be big enough
for appropriate anemones and clowns. I hope this helps you, thank you for all
the kind words, Scott V.>
Ctenochaetus flavicauda avail./use - 8/9/2006
Hello there,
Congratulations (again) on your site and work.
Just a couple of questions as regards Ctenochaetus flavicauda: I've rarely seen
any info on this fish, not even in your website.
<Is now... thanks to your prompting:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ctenocha.htm>
Is it because it's not found in the trade?
<Mmm, yes... restricted to areas that aren't generally collected from:
http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=59589&genusname=Ctenochaetus&speciesname=flavicauda
Chip Boyle is "about it" in Roratonga... the French-"protected" islands are too
expensive...>
Is the collection forbidden? If not, do you if this particular fish has any
specific particularities as regards the other members of the family ?
<None that I'm aware of... I would say all Ctenochaetus have similar husbandry>
I want a Ctenochaetus for the importance of its feeding habits in a reef tank
and this one could be THE piece of jewelry for my 210G tank ( if impossible to
get, I'll have either a strigosus or a hawaiiensis).
Thanks in advance for the reply
Best,
Joćo Monteiro
<Have never seen it offered in captivity. Chip fishes for only about three
species... high dollar, deep water... Bob Fenner>
Re: Ctenochaetus flavicauda 8/10/06
Bob Fenner,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
This fish is a bit like the Chevron (and the humans, anyway): much prettier in
its younger stages.
Bearing that in mind and that I wouldn't be able to find one here in Portugal, I
may opt for the Kole.
Regards,
Joćo
<C. strigosus should be much easier to find/secure. Much wider range and many
more collectors/collecting companies about its distribution. Cheers/Salud, Bob
Fenner>
Brooklynella from Brooklyn, Ctenochaetus tangs 3/18/06
Dear wonderful WWM crew
First off let me thank you guys the best (and most time consuming) website
in the world.
<I'll say!>
Unfortunately I found it a year in to the hobby, and it cost me literally
hundreds of dollars worth of "stuff" and a big
box full of that same "stuff".
<Most all of us have these... I've got a few...>
Anyway, back to my questions. I recently made 3 purchases from my local
retailer. The first I made was a juvenile 3-4" blonde Naso tang. After visiting
it in the store for 3 weeks, I took it home and acclimated it. A little nervous
at first but now 3 weeks later bold and an absolute pig! MY next purchase was a
3" tomato clown. Once again after 3 weeks at the retailer I brought him home and
he was great for about 24 hours. Then I noticed him not interested in for and
his eyes were cloudy.
<... a wild-caught fish...>
So I turned to your website for advice. Boom, 10 minute freshwater bath with
Quick Cure (formalin and malachite) then
re-introduced in the main tank. ( no means for quarantine) After that he still
looked bad on one side of his body, so the next day I got a 10
gallon tank for QT/hospital.
<Yay!>
This morning I did another 10 minute bath with the formalin and got great
results body slime was gone but his breathing was still incredibly
rapid and was not interested in food, so back to the hospital and treatment to
be continued. How long should I continue the treatment
until I try another one just in case this doesn't work?
<I'd try to hold off until the breathing rate is more "normal"... fishes have
real trouble with loss of packed cell volume (hematocrit)... Can/often die from
the result of "not being able to breath"... secondary effect from... many
influences>
I am also concerned he has not eaten in 2 days, so I have been adding some
Selcon directly
to the water. How can I get him to even be remotely interested in food?
<... posted... on WWM>
Next question, how long does it usually take Brooklynella to "appear"?.
<A day to a few>
The reason why I ask this is because I want to know if it was in the fish form
the store, or in my tank from a clownfish death about a
year ago.
<Should be gone from a previous infestation if this long w/o a host>
None of my other fish are affected at all (2 tangs, diamond goby, and damsels).
<Oh! The damsels could act as reservoir hosts>
One more question before I go, If another fish came up with the same
sickness , say a Pomacanthus angel, can they be in the same QT together?
<Yes>
Can I use the same FW bath water?
<Almost always, yes... aerate it though>
Just one more comment, I bought a very juvenile Tomini tang (Ctenochaetus
tominiensis) about one inch in length
<Wow! Tiny!>
and is now about 6 inches and I have to say this fish is absolutely the best
algae eating machine in the world, that is on top of its beauty and want to
"tell the world" about this rare beauty, everyone should have one.
<You have done so>
Sorry about my rambling on and on, and thank you in advance for your
response and advice.
Thanks,
Dino from Brooklyn
<BobF in HI>
Ctenochaetus strigosus - 12/08/05
Hello!
<<Howdy>>
I am relatively new to the aquarium hobby (about four years) and as such was so grateful to discover Wet Web Media several weeks ago.
<<Glad you found us...Welcome!>>
Relative to the needs of the aquatic life entrusted to our care, WWM has been an indispensable, comprehensive reference of proper husbandry.
<<Thank you>>
Currently we have a 55 gallon saltwater tank with a crushed coral substrate. It contains approximately 35 pounds of live rock, 1 Yellowtail Blue Damsel and 1 Fiji Devil Damsel. The damsels have been in residence here for two years. Now that time constraints are a thing of the past (I have recently become a "stay-at-home-wife") my husband and I would like to more fully develop the potential of this and 12 freshwater tanks.
<<Ah! Real fish 'nerds' eh?>>
Weeks of voraciously reading WWM archives has given us fantastic insight on how to develop our hobby. After reading all postings related to the Ctenochaetus genus and most of those concerning the family Acanthuridae I am considering the adoption of a Kole Tang.
<<An excellent choice.>>
I have been viewing a single specimen of this species at our LFS for 1 week. It is approximately 3" in length, the mouth appears undamaged, the body doesn't appear thin or emaciated and I have been assured that it is eating.
<<Assured?...ask to see it feed...if they decline, don't buy the fish.>>
It is extremely shy and the dorsal fin appears somewhat clamped when this fish makes an appearance.
<<All the more reason to see it feed.>>
It does appear to be easily frightened and therefore I would assume this semi-clamped fin is the natural physiological result of such stress.
<<Possibly, but after a week it should be a bit more relaxed...unless stressed by less than optimum water conditions, aggressive/improper tankmates, etc..>>
Would this assumption be correct or is it more likely to be illness?
<<No way to say for sure.>>
Is this something to be concerned about or will it pass with acclimation to our home?
<<If water conditions/tankmates, yes, likely will improve...but ask to see it feed...>>
I've asked the LFS owner to hold this specimen so that 1) I could observe its behavior, 2) I could be assured that it would eat, 3) I could see if an illness developed and 4) learn more about this species so we could be assured that it is a proper choice for our aquarium.
<<Excellent, I commend you on your patience/good judgment. This fish is a very good choice in my opinion. Much more suitable than so many of the tang species placed in a 55 gallon tank. But do continue/complete your research re this fish.>>
Although we've never experienced an algae bloom several weeks ago we experienced our first diatom bloom. Water parameters have been consistent for 2 years, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 20, specific gravity of our h2o is 1.021.
<<I would bring this up to 1.025>>
The only variance from our normal maintenance procedure was the use of a different salt, Reef Crystals instead of Instant Ocean.
<<Mmm...>>
Reef Crystals appear to have a higher concentration of silicates, according to the chemical analysis.
<<Well there ya go!>>
Could this be it?
<<Yes...or maybe it's time to change that RO membrane...>>
Weekly water changes of 40% have not made a difference.
<<If the salt mix...will only make worse.>>
Our protein skimmer, Prizm Pro, was given to us. Understandably so, as it doesn't seem to be incredibly effective.
<<Agreed>>
The upgrade of our skimmer and the addition of a refugium are in our near future.
<<Outstanding! All will be better for it.>>
I have read the archives relevant to brown diatoms and hope the aforementioned actions will solve this problem if the silica content of Reef Crystals is not an issue. I understand that the Kole Tang will feed on diatoms and it appears that our tank is currently an optimal source of this particular microorganism.
<<They will yes...some more than others. Don't expect the fish to provide the cure...best to determine the source of the silicates and eliminate.>>
This being said do we have a suitable habitat to house a Kole Tang for the next year? Perusal of the archives indicate that we probably would.
<<I think very likely you do.>>
This would be the third and final fish for this particular tank.
<<Wow...now that's restraint...very good!>>
By next fall we would like to have the Kole inhabit a 92 gallon corner reef tank. I would like this fish to be comfortably housed both now and in the future. If the current set up (in transition to the Berlin Method) and the future set up previously indicated are inadequate please advise, we will not buy this fish if we cannot properly care for it.
<<I think it will be fine.>>
Unfortunately, and despite my best efforts, I cannot seem to write a letter or email that doesn't develop into an epic novel.
<<Thank you for writing so well.>>
Thank you for "hanging in there" and I appreciate the time you take to answer these questions. I only seek to verify what I've read so that I may avoid any mistakes that may cost this animal its life.
Best Regards,
Christina
<<No worries mate, EricR>>
Bristle-Tooth Surgeon Fishes
Hello from sunny Fla! I just recently saw a reference/link to a page you wrote on WWM about The "Bristle-Tooth" Surgeon Fishes....
I saw that you wrote that the Tomini is the most difficult to keep. What makes you say this?
<Just the current sense, sample size of specimens... I rate all the Ctenochaetus highly for survivability, adaptability to captive conditions in general>
I have one that I had sent from Utah about 4 months ago.. he is doing fabulous.. eats well.. and is a model citizen, except for a little occasional picking on my lawnmower blenny.
<Typical... these fishes, groups do some such interaction in the wild... eat the same foods...>
I think this is because they share an interest in algae, and algae based food. It's never violent.. just a few
pushes, which the blenny just sits there, turns his head to the side, and takes it.
Thank you so much, if you have time to respond to this, Carole.
<Thank you for your input. Bob Fenner>
Bryopsis Eater
I know there's a good number of people who suffer from Bryopsis (wiry,
dark green hair algae) plagues, including myself. I've heard they usually crash over time,
but I've yet to see it happen in real life. Any cures (biological or otherwise) you can
suggest would be greatly appreciated. I'd soon pull out my own hair then my Bryopsis
again!
<<Leonard, I still am pumping for the Tang genus Ctenochaetus to
munch this algal genus control-wise. Look into the couple of species generally offered for
sale out of Hawai'i: C. strigosus (the Kole or Yellow-eye) or C. hawaiiensis (the
Chevy)...Bob Fenner>>
Re: Chevron Tang
P.S. I have checked out your website. It is excellent. The best one I have
seen, and I have passed it on to others.
<Outstanding, thank you for your kind, encouraging words>
And I also meant to tell you in your last communication to me that I appreciated the thought, honesty and
detail you put into your answers.
<Ah, you humble me>
I ended up getting that Chevron Tang. He seems to be quite happy at the moment, and my cleaner wrasse has never been
so happy! If I feel that he becomes too big for my 46-gal bow front, then I will have to make some decisions (get a larger tank or find him a new home.)
I promise not to become a bother, but I am sure glad I found you. Thanks, again.
<Thank you my friend. Bob Fenner>
Kole Tang
Beautiful pic on the updates page--didn't mention it earlier because we had other business. I read the entries for this one on WWM--would make a beautiful centerpiece fish if I could get a good healthy one. . .
<Yes, thank you, and these are generally very hardy fish on arrival from most any/all collection points... do look for ones that have only been "on hand" for a few days to weeks. Bob Fenner>
Re: Kole Tang
Hello again, Bob, and thanks! Looks like my struggling to decide on a "centerpiece" may be over. This will make a very striking addition, and
will be equally functional at grazing unwanted forms of algae. Much more community-oriented than a Sohal (and with somewhat similar appearance), and
one that should never outgrow the 180.
<Ah, yes!>
Your comment that they should not be "on hand" for very long, as well as my
study into their feeding habits, leads me to believe that these species would not fare well for any appreciable length of time in QT, if at all. Is
that the case? Do you recommend a QT period for these, or just the Methylene blue FW dip?
<The dip alone is fine>
(I also note that net-handling is risky with these species due to the delicate nature of their mouths. . .)
<Yes... and fin spines and scalpel like caudal peduncle processes...>
BTW--One of my fellow reef-keepers is giving me a 35 gallon tank and stand
to use as a QT/hospital system, so I will no longer be relying solely on FW dips and luck to avoid introducing disease into my new system.
<Ah, good. What a gift!>
The QT tank will be set up in a week or so and I'll probably put a Chromis in there to
cycle it and keep it going.
<Old filter media or substrate, LR would be fine, better>
I won't be adding the shoal of blue-green Chromis for at least 4-6 weeks after my system has been moved over to the
new tank and stabilized, and the Kole wouldn't come along for a month or so after that--and would be the final fish addition.
<I'd place the Kole first... the Sohal about last... can be, become very territorial, especially with similar habitat-using life>
Have a nice weekend--looking forward to the "pic of the day" as always! --JD
<Have a bunch of nice ones lined up. Bob Fenner>
James A. Deets
Re: Kole Tang
Caught you again, Bob! (I'll admit that when I re-read my message before
sending it, where I said "shoal" of blue-green Chromis, my eyes tricked me
and said "Sohal.") My stocking plan is just to add the blue-green
Chromises
and one Kole tang--using the Kole as the show fish in place of the Sohal, P.
Asfur or Maculosus we'd considered and discussed before. : )
<Ah, good>
I ruled out the Sohal because it's too aggressive (and I've read a number of accounts of
Zebrasoma xanthurum finding its demise at the wrong end of a Sohal--right now, my Z. xanthurum is my favorite fish and "king" of the tank) and had
also ruled out the Pomacanthus sp. because they'd get too large and might
force me into a bigger system before I'm ready (as well as the possibility that they might nip at corals).
<Yes>
I am excited about this stocking plan, though, as it seems I'll have the perfect mix of fish, everything should get along, is completely reef-safe,
hardy, long-lived, beautiful, and the complete mix shouldn't present any problems with overcrowding, even after everything has reached full size.
<The benefits of thorough research>
Thanks for posting that picture yesterday--the end to my search! :)
<Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>
Chevron Tang
Hello,
I'm hoping you can help me. I have a very successful 46-gal. bow front reef tank. It is 6 months old and thriving. I have more than enough
filtration (a wet/dry, a canister, and an AquaClear that hangs over the back). I also have a U.V sterilizer and a protein skimmer. My fish
include: 5 Percula clowns, 6 bar gobies, 4 Mexican red-headed gobies, 1 yellow headed Jawfish, 1 neon Dottyback, and 1 cleaner wrasse. I have the
opportunity to purchase a chevron tang. I hesitated a lot because of the size of my tank.
<You do have a bunch of smaller fishes in it already, and a forty six gallon is smallish for a Ctenochaetus sp. tang...>
The store owner knows my tank and feels that this tang will be fine in it.
<Likely yes... this is a very good species for aquarium use. Oh, our coverage of this and all other Surgeonfish can be found on the site: www.WetWebMedia.com>
My questions are: what is the life expectancy in a well-maintained tank;
<A few years>
will it be aggressive towards any of the fish I have;
<Not really... some "jousting" to be expected... but no real competition for types of foods, habitat... that might occur with other species>
am I doing the fish an injustice because of the size of my tank?
<Hmm, these ethical questions are tough... "Not really" to a "semi-yes" are my feelings/thoughts here... a larger system would definitely be better (like most all aquatic life the "living area" in the wild for one of these fish is much larger than almost all aquariums... but a forty six gallon bow-front is (barely) adequate for one... we have these genera of tangs in smaller systems here at our facility/test tanks... that are healthy, apparently "happy">
If not the chevron, I was thinking of the yellow tang because it is a little
smaller and beautiful.
<Both about equal choices all the way around>
The store owner said, however, that he has seen them tear up a reef and they don't live long.
<Hmm, do disagree with the gist of this stmt... >
I would love to hear from you.....before I make a big mistake.
Laurie from Connecticut
<Please read through the WWM site on these issues... I would go forward with your plans as stated with the hawaiiensis... especially if you see a larger system in your future... or a Zebrasoma Tang species. Bob Fenner>
Chevron Tang
Bob, thank you for writing your book. It is a bible to me. My question is
on Chevron Tang. I want to get it, but I have heard they don't last long.
From my LFS, the owner said they last maybe a year. He said they need to be
in higher water pressure to do well. What do you think on this issue? Jackie
<All in all a very hardy species. Here is my ongoing opinion on the members of the genus
Ctenochaetus: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ctenocha.htm
Though found, collected in deeper water, this is a very sturdy aquarium species both as juveniles and adults. Bob
Fenner>
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