Tangs · Acanthuridae
Care levelIntermediate
White Tail Bristletooth Tang
Ctenochaetus flavicauda
A clean white tail contrasts with a reddish-brown body, warm face and delicate spots and lines. This attractive bristletooth needs mature surfaces to browse and space to settle away from aggressive competitors.
Can quarrel with other bristletooths and should have uninterrupted access to grazing surfaces.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
70+ galRecommended tank
6.5 inchesAdult size
Semi-aggressive / territorialTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- A clean white tail contrasts with a reddish-brown body, warm face and delicate spots and lines.
- Browses algal films on established surfaces.
- Generally compatible with corals when appropriately housed.
! Things to consider
- Needs adult-sized housing: plan for 70 US gallons or more with suitable swimming space.
- Can quarrel with other bristletooths and should have uninterrupted access to grazing surfaces.
- Requires a consistent feeding routine and stable water.
- Has sharp tail spines; handle carefully.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 70 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 6.5 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Choose a long rectangular aquarium with open swimming lanes and room to turn. Leave space around rockwork; a tall narrow tank is a poor substitute for swimming length.
- Tank maturity
-
6 months recommended
Use an established aquarium with stable filtration and productive grazing surfaces. Six months is a planning guide, not proof of readiness: cycling, water stability and feeding access matter more than calendar age. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential. - Habitat and equipment
- Provide good circulation and gas exchange. Arrange secure rockwork for shelter and grazing, keep open water available, and use a secure lid. Take care around the sharp tail spines.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive / territorial
- Why this care level
- Can quarrel with other bristletooths and should have uninterrupted access to grazing surfaces.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Choose tank mates that allow uninterrupted browsing and feeding. Other bristletooth tangs and established territorial surgeonfish can cause persistent disputes.
- Alone, pair or group
- A single tang is the simpler plan. Keeping several requires additional space, individual assessment and a way to separate incompatible fish; wild groups do not establish an aquarium stocking rule.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with corals, but observe the individual. Algae grazing should not be mistaken for a guarantee that no picking will occur. - Shrimp safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with ornamental shrimp; monitor introductions and individual behavior. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with snails. Continue observing grazing behavior around small invertebrates. - Clam safety
-
With caution
Use caution around clam mantles: surface browsing can lead to unwanted picking. Observe closely and separate if persistent irritation occurs.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Herbivore / surface browser; algal films and prepared foods
- Feeding plan
- Provide access to mature algal films and supplement with appropriate plant-rich prepared foods. Offer food consistently and check body condition; natural grazing is a supplement, not a complete feeding plan.
- Prepared or live food
- Try small herbivore pellets, spirulina-rich preparations, marine algae and suitable frozen foods. Ask what the individual already eats; acceptance varies.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72–78 °F (22–26 °C) is a commonly published aquarium reference range. Maintain stable conditions and consider the needs of the whole community.
- Specific gravity
- Specific gravity 1.020–1.025 appears in common species-care guidance. Match the needs of corals and other inhabitants, and avoid abrupt changes.
- pH
- pH 8.1–8.4 is the published marine aquarium reference range used here; maintain stability rather than chasing a single reading.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- The linked references do not establish a reliable typical captive lifespan for this profile. Plan for long-term care and maintain a realistic adult housing commitment.
- Growth and future planning
- Adults may reach about 6.5 inches. Growth depends on the individual and conditions; juvenile purchase size should not determine the long-term aquarium.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Check that it is actively browsing and accepting offered foods before purchase.
- Buying checklist
- Ask to see the fish eat. Look for a well-filled body, clear eyes, intact fins and normal swimming and breathing. Plan quarantine and confirm the seller’s species identification and feeding routine.
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