Species · GBIF taxon 2379620
Kole Tang
Ctenochaetus strigosusAlso known as Yelloweye Tang, Spotted Bristletooth, Goldring Surgeonfish, Yellow-eyed Surgeonfish
Kole tangs play a vital role in Hawaiian reef ecosystems by using their specialized, comb-like teeth to scrape fine algae and detritus off rocks and corals. These active surgeonfish are easily recognized by the bright yellow ring around their eyes and a body covered in delicate spots and thin, horizontal stripes. They spend their days constantly grazing, helping to prevent algae from smothering the living coral reef.
Reef-dwellingAlgae-eaterEndemic
Licensed referenceKimonBerlin / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Benthic microalgae
- Detritus
- Diatoms
Predators
- Moray eels
- Groupers
- Jacks
ThreatsCoral reef degradation, climate change, and over-collection for the aquarium trade.
HabitatsShallow, wave-swept coral reefs and rocky shores.
Life span30 to 45 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAcanthuridae
- SpeciesCtenochaetus strigosus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Equipped with a sharp caudal spine near the tail; handle with care to avoid deep cuts.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses a razor-sharp, modified scale on each side of the tail base that can inflict deep, painful lacerations if handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for the bright yellow ring around the eye and a dark, oval body covered in fine spots and stripes.
- What to do
- Never attempt to touch or catch this fish; admire its grazing behavior from a safe distance.
- What to notice
- Easily recognized by its yellow-ringed eye, blue-spotted face, and fine horizontal body stripes.
- Support conservation
- Support sustainable reef tourism and avoid purchasing wild-caught specimens from unmanaged fisheries.
Responsible observation
- Snorkeling Approach: Move slowly and avoid sudden gestures to watch them graze peacefully on shallow reef flats.
- Look for the Ring: Identify them by the bright yellow ring encircling their eye and their spotted face.
Frequent Companion (c) User:Amada44, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Competitor brian.gratwicke / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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