Silver Spot Bristletooth Tang, Ctenochaetus truncatus

Silver Spot Bristletooth Tangs, Ctenochaetus truncatus, also go by the name Indian Goldring Bristletooth Tang, Spotted Kole Tang, Yellow eyed Kole Tang

These Tangs are a type of ray finned fish that belong to the Acanthuridae family. This family also includes Sawtails and Unicornfish. The defining characteristic for the Acanthuridae family, is the presence of scalpels or spines on both sides of the caudal peduncle. These are used for defence and are usually brightly coloured to act as a deterrent. For Silver Spot Bristletooth Tangs, their weapons are visible but not obvious.

Silver Spot Bristletooth Tangs also belong to the subfamily Acanthurinae. Which means these fish have one spine on each side. 

On the reef, Silver Spot Bristletooth Tangs graze on algae. As the name suggests, Bristletooth tangs have specialized teeth making them very effective at removing algae from surfaces. As a result, these fish are helpful for controlling algae growth. Left unchecked, algae could outcompete slower growing coral species for space and resources. Their help can be more pronounced in shallower areas that capture more light. Their ability makes them popular in marine aquariums. Feel free to give us a call if you are considering adding a Bristletooth tang to your clean up crew and have questions.