Tank setup
A minimum 300L aquarium suits Kole Tang. Provide hiding spots and stable water — this species thrives in a well-filtered community setup.
pH
8.1 - 8.4
Temperature
24° - 28 °C
Max size
18 cm
Min tank
300 L
Loading listings...
Community Marketplace
Fellow hobbyists may also be selling Kole Tang.
Want Kole Tang?
Tell shops you're looking — be the first to signal demand.
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
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Kole Tang healthy in a South African setup.
A minimum 300L aquarium suits Kole Tang. Provide hiding spots and stable water — this species thrives in a well-filtered community setup.
Keep pH 8.1–8.4 and 24–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Kole Tang is herbivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for saltwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Kole Tang is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in saltwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Kole Tang vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
Species that typically work alongside Kole Tang in a similar setup.
Kole Tang
Ctenochaetus strigosus
Purple Tang
Zebrasoma xanthurum
Blue Tang
Paracanthurus hepatus
Powder Blue Tang
Acanthurus leucosternon
Powder Brown Tang
Acanthurus japonicus
Chevron Tang
Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Clown Tang
Acanthurus lineatus