Fauna
Species

Goldring Surgeonfish

Ctenochaetus strigosus

Also known as Kole Tang, Spotted Bristletooth, Yelloweye Kole Tang, Goldring Bristletooth

Endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago, goldring surgeonfish glide close against volcanic basalt and live coral, vacuuming up fine organic matter. Instead of sharp cropping teeth, they possess rows of comb-like bristles designed to brush diatom films and microalgal detritus off rock surfaces. Adults maintain small feeding territories or forage in loose aggregations, flashing their unmistakable golden eye rings as they patrol the reef.

Reef DwellerEndemicHerbivore
Goldring Surgeonfish reference
KimonBerlin / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyOrganic detritus, Diatoms, Filamentous algae
Predators
  • Giant trevally
  • Whitetip reef shark
  • Moray eel
ThreatsCoral reef degradation, warming seas, and aquarium harvesting
HabitatsShallow coral reefs, rocky reef flats, and lagoons
Life span30–35 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAcanthuridae
  2. SpeciesCtenochaetus strigosus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Bears razor-sharp caudal scalpels that cause deep cuts if handled; observe freely from a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Carries folding, razor-sharp modified scales on the caudal peduncle that slash flesh when thrashing defensively.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its dark purplish-brown body, bright gold eye ring, and fine blue facial spotting.
What to do
Never grab or net this fish with bare hands; if accidentally hooked while fishing, handle using heavy protective gloves.
Responsible observation
  • Snorkeling etiquette: Maintain neutral buoyancy and keep your hands off coral to let them graze undisturbed.
  • Identification in water: Look for the brilliant yellow ring encircling the eye against a burgundy body.
Related species
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