Orange Stripe Bristletooth (Ctenochaetus striatus) - (No Online Purchases)

Orange Stripe Bristletooth (Ctenochaetus striatus)

The Orange Stripe Bristletooth, also known as the Lined Bristletooth Tang or Striated Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus), is a species of surgeonfish found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea. They are a popular choice for saltwater aquariums due to their unique appearance and role as a natural algae grazer.

Appearance and Behaviour
Colouration: Juveniles are often more colourful, with a mostly blue body and strong horizontal orange stripes. As they mature, their body becomes a more olive or olive-brown colour with thin, wavy blue lines running from head to tail. They also have orange spots around their head.

Bristle-like Teeth: The name "bristletooth" comes from their unique protruding mouth and bristle-like teeth, which they can move individually. They use these teeth to sift through the substrate and scrape algae and other organic material from rocks and surfaces.

Temperament: Orange Stripe Bristletooth Tangs are generally considered semi-aggressive. They are typically peaceful with other fish and invertebrates but can be aggressive towards other tangs, especially those of the same species or with similar body shapes. It is generally recommended to keep only one per tank.

Size: They can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length.

"Scalpel" Spine: Like all surgeonfish, they have a sharp spine or "scalpel" at the base of their tail, which they use for defence. Caution should be used when handling them.

Habitat and Diet
Natural Habitat: In the wild, they inhabit reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs at depths of 6 to 30 meters. They can be found alone or in large, mixed-species groups.

Diet: The Orange Stripe Bristletooth is a herbivore, feeding primarily on the surface film of algae, diatoms, and small invertebrates. In an aquarium, their diet should be mostly algae-based, including marine-based seaweed and algae sheets (nori) offered multiple times a week. They will also eat some meaty foods, but an algae-rich diet is crucial for their immune system and overall health. They are excellent for controlling algae in a saltwater tank.

Aquarium Care
Tank Size: Due to their active swimming nature and adult size, a minimum tank size of 125-150 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming room and grazing surfaces.

Tank Environment: The aquarium should be well-established with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding places. A secure lid is important as they can jump.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 22-25.5°C

pH: 8.1-8.4

Salinity: 1.020-1.025

Reef Safe: Yes, they are considered reef-safe and typically will not bother corals or other invertebrates if they are well-fed.

Care Level: Moderate. They are relatively hardy but require a stable and mature tank environment. They are also prone to certain diseases like ich, and benefit from good water quality and the presence of cleaner shrimp.