| Scientific Name | Ctenochaetus truncatus |
| Common Names | Indian Gold-ring Bristletooth, Squaretail Bristletooth, Yelloweye Bristletooth |
| Max Length | 6.3 inches (16 cm) |
| Min Tank Size | 100 gallons (379 liters) for a single fish. Their grazing habits require ample rockwork and swimming space. |
| Temperament | Mostly peaceful but may be aggressive toward similar tangs or surgeonfish. Best kept singly in mixed communities with non-aggressive tankmates. |
| Reef Safe | ✓ Yes |
The Squaretail Bristletooth is a practical algae grazer for marine tanks. Its body is brownish with blue or gold spots, a short square tail, and bristle-like teeth for scraping surfaces. Native to the Indian Ocean, from East Africa to Indonesia, they inhabit sheltered reef crests and slopes among corals at depths of 1-21 meters. Juveniles start bright yellow before developing spots. Hardy once acclimated, they add subtle activity and utility to the aquarium.
Herbivorous, grazing on algae and detritus in the wild. In aquariums, offer nori seaweed, spirulina-based flakes or pellets, and small crustaceans like mysis or brine shrimp. Feed 2-3 times daily, ensuring plenty of algae growth in the tank for natural foraging.
Ready to Check Out Today
