Spotted Yellow Eye Tang

The Spotted Yellow‑Eye Tang is a peaceful, hard‑working bristletooth surgeonfish in the genus Ctenochaetus, most commonly referring to Ctenochaetus truncatus — the Indian Ocean “spotted” variant distinguished by its fine blue‑gold spotting and bright yellow eye ring. It’s a superb film‑algae grazer, reef‑safe, and well‑suited to mature systems with abundant rockwork. 🐠 Identity & Appearance Scientific name: Ctenochaetus truncatus Common names: Spotted Yellow‑Eye Tang, Indian Gold‑Spot Tang, Yellow‑Eye Bristletooth Coloration: Dark brown body covered in fine pale‑blue and gold spotting, with a bright yellow ring around the eye. Size: ~16 cm (≈6 inches) adult length. Distinguishing features: Bristle‑like comb teeth for scraping film algae and detritus; subtle, elegant patterning compared to flashier tangs. 🌍 Distribution & Habitat Range: Indian Ocean. Habitat: Coral and rocky reefs with abundant film algae and detritus. Behavior in nature: Constant grazer, roaming over reef surfaces in search of microalgae and detritus. 🧠 Temperament & Behavior Temperament: Peaceful by tang standards; territorial mainly toward other bristletooths. Reef‑safe: Yes — grazes surfaces, not corals. Activity: Methodical grazer; spends most of the day picking at rock surfaces. 🏡 Aquarium Requirements Minimum tank size: ~280 liters (≈75 gallons). Aquascape: Mature reef with abundant live rock for grazing; open swimming space. Water parameters: Salinity 1.024–1.026 pH 8.1–8.4 Temp 24–26°C (75–79°F) Strong flow for oxygenation and detritus suspension. 🌿 Diet & Feeding Feeding style: Specialized film‑algae and detritus grazer using comb‑like teeth. In captivity: Nori (dried marine algae) Spirulina‑based pellets and flakes Algae‑based frozen foods Tank maturity: Needs a system that naturally produces film algae and detritus. ⚠️ Health & Sensitivities HLLE risk: Like other bristletooths, sensitive to poor water quality; stable parameters and vitamin‑rich diet help prevent HLLE. Aggression risk: Mainly toward other Ctenochaetus species; best kept as the only bristletooth in most tanks. Handling caution: Possesses a defensive caudal spine. 🧩 Compatibility Good tankmates: Peaceful to semi‑aggressive reef fish — wrasses, anthias, clownfish, angels (non‑aggressive), and dissimilar tangs with adequate space. Avoid: Other bristletooths in smaller systems. 📌 Quick Snapshot Species: Ctenochaetus truncatus Size: ~6" Temperament: Peaceful, mildly territorial toward similar tangs Diet: Film algae & detritus grazer Reef Safe: Yes Tank Size: 75+ gallons Notes: Excellent utility fish; thrives in mature, rock‑rich systems with strong flow.