Tank setup
A minimum 300L aquarium suits Kole Tang. Provide hiding spots and stable water — this species thrives in a well-filtered community setup.
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Kole Tang, or Yellow-eye Bristletooth Tang, is a highly desirable algae-grazer for reef aquariums. It has a deep maroon to brown body covered in fine, light horizontal lines, and a striking yellow ring around its eye. Its 'bristletooth' name comes from its specialized, bristle-like teeth, which it uses to scrape detritus and microalgae off live rock. This continuous grazing makes it an excellent tank cleaner. It is generally peaceful but can be territorial with other tangs. A mature tank with ample live rock is essential for its well-being, as it needs to graze constantly to stay healthy.
Key traits
peaceful
community
reef safe
medium
moderate
herbivore
detritivore
algae eater
Compatibility
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Care guide
Everything you need to keep Kole Tang healthy in a South African setup.
Water parameters
Keep pH 8.1–8.4 and 24–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Kole Tang is herbivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for saltwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Behaviour
Kole Tang is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Tankmates
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in saltwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding
Breeding notes for Kole Tang vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
Keeping marine fish?
Marine chemistry moves daily — the foundation sets keep calcium, alkalinity and magnesium honest.
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Photo by FishHubAdmin
Often kept with
Real pairwise verdicts for Kole Tang, not a same-category guess. Always confirm adult size and your tank's specifics before buying.
- Often kept together
Percula Clownfish
Amphiprion percula
In a 300L+ tank
- Often kept together
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
In a 300L+ tank
- Often kept together
Six-spot Goby
Valenciennea sexguttata
In a 300L+ tank
- Often kept together
Fire Shrimp (Blood Red Shrimp)
Lysmata debelius
In a 300L+ tank
- Often kept together
Zoanthid Colony (various colors)
Zoanthus sp.
In a 300L+ tank
- Often kept together
Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loricula
In a 300L+ tank
- Often kept together
Six Line Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
In a 300L+ tank
- Often kept together
Banded Boxing Shrimp
Stenopus hispidus
In a 300L+ tank