Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis, commonly referred to as the Hawaiian Bristletooth Tang, is a striking marine fish prized for its specialised algae-grazing behaviour and distinctive bristle-like teeth. This medium-sized tang is a peaceful addition to a well-established reef or fish-only marine aquarium.
Care Level: Moderate. Requires stable water parameters and a mature tank environment.
Temperament: Generally peaceful but may show territorial behaviour towards conspecifics or similar tang species.
Diet: Primarily herbivorous. Requires a diet rich in marine algae and seaweed, supplemented with high-quality herbivore flakes, pellets, and occasional meaty foods.
Minimum Tank Size: 120 litres (approximately 30 gallons) to provide ample swimming space and grazing surfaces.
Reef Compatibility: Yes, safe for reef aquariums as it does not nip at corals or sessile invertebrates.
Lighting & Water Flow: Standard reef lighting and moderate water flow are suitable to mimic natural habitat conditions.
Placement: Mid to lower levels of the aquarium where algae growth is abundant.
Origin: Native to the Hawaiian Islands.
Maximum Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length.
This species thrives in a well-maintained aquarium with stable water quality, including temperature between 24-27°C, salinity of 1.023-1.025, and pH 8.1-8.4. Regular feeding of algae-based foods supports their natural grazing behaviour and vibrant coloration.
Compatibility with other peaceful fish is generally good, but avoid housing with aggressive tangs or similarly shaped species to reduce territorial disputes. Providing plenty of live rock and hiding places helps reduce stress.
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