Ctenochaetus strigosus (Red Stripe Kole Tang / Yellow Eye Kole Tang)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 300L+
• Adult size: ~18 cm
• Diet: Herbivorous (marine algae, seaweed, spirulina-based flakes/pellets, occasional meaty foods)
• Be aware of: Can be territorial towards other tangs, especially other Ctenochaetus species. Requires a high-fiber diet to prevent digestive issues. Hardy but prone to ich if stressed.
Red Stripe Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) – A Hardy Algae-Eating Workhorse
The Red Stripe Kole Tang, also known as the Yellow Eye Kole Tang, is a small but highly efficient algae grazer from the Ctenochaetus genus. Known for its distinctive red stripes, bright yellow eyes, and constant grazing behaviour, it is an excellent choice for reef tanks looking for natural algae control. This species is particularly adapted to scraping detritus and algae from rocks and sand, making it a valuable addition to marine aquariums.
Appearance and Coloration
The Red Stripe Kole Tang has a unique colour pattern that makes it stand out:
• The body is reddish-brown to dark maroon, with horizontal red or orange stripes running across its sides.
• Its eyes are bright yellow, creating a striking contrast.
• The face and snout are often speckled with tiny dots, giving it a textured look.
Juveniles tend to be lighter in colour, while adults darken as they mature. Unlike larger tang species, the Red Stripe Kole Tang remains relatively small, making it suitable for medium-sized aquariums.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Red Stripe Kole Tangs are native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Hawaii, Indonesia, and the Central Pacific Islands. They are commonly found in shallow coral reefs and rocky coastal areas, where they:
• Constantly graze on algae and detritus, using their specialized bristle-like teeth.
• Swim actively but prefer staying close to rock formations.
• Are generally peaceful, but may be territorial toward similar species.
In the wild, they use their specialized mouths to scrape diatoms, detritus, and filamentous algae off surfaces, making them one of the best algae-eating tang species available in the aquarium trade.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Despite their smaller size, Red Stripe Kole Tangs require plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing.
• Minimum tank size: 300L+ (larger recommended for long-term care)
• Temperature: 23–26°C
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate to strong
• Filtration: High-quality filtration and protein skimming recommended
Because they graze continuously, they need live rock with natural algae growth to thrive.
Diet and Feeding
Red Stripe Kole Tangs are primarily herbivores, specializing in scraping algae, diatoms, and detritus off surfaces. Their diet should consist of:
• Dried seaweed (Nori) – Crucial for digestive health.
• Spirulina-based flakes and pellets – Provides necessary vitamins and nutrients.
• Fresh macroalgae – Such as chaetomorpha or gracilaria.
• Occasional meaty foods – Enriched mysis shrimp or brine shrimp (as a supplement only).
They should be fed multiple times per day, as they naturally graze throughout the day. A lack of algae in their diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies and stress.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Red Stripe Kole Tangs are one of the more peaceful tang species, but they may become territorial toward other tangs, especially those from the Ctenochaetus genus.
Best tank mates include:
✔ Clownfish
✔ Wrasses (Fairy Wrasses, Halichoeres species)
✔ Gobies and blennies
✔ Angelfish (both dwarf and large species)
✔ Other peaceful to semi-aggressive reef-safe fish
Avoid housing with:
❌ Other Ctenochaetus tangs (unless in a very large system)
❌ Highly aggressive tang species (e.g., Sohal Tang, Clown Tang)
❌ Slow-moving fish that may struggle to compete for food
If keeping multiple tangs, introduce them simultaneously in a large tank to minimize aggression.
Health and Disease Considerations
Red Stripe Kole Tangs are relatively hardy, but they can still suffer from common saltwater fish diseases, including:
• Marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) – Often caused by stress or poor water conditions. Quarantining new fish before introduction is highly recommended.
• Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE) – Can occur if their diet lacks algae or if water quality is poor.
• Nutritional deficiencies – If not provided with enough marine algae, they may develop digestive issues and faded coloration.
To maintain their health:
✔ Ensure a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter.
✔ Keep stable water parameters to prevent stress-related illnesses.
✔ Quarantine new additions to prevent disease outbreaks.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Red Stripe Kole Tangs can live up to 10-12 years in captivity. Their hardiness, algae-grazing habits, and smaller size make them an excellent choice for reef tanks.
Why Choose a Red Stripe Kole Tang?
✔ Great for medium-sized reef tanks – Smaller than most other tang species.
✔ Excellent algae grazer – Constantly removes detritus and algae from rock surfaces.
✔ Generally peaceful – Suitable for mixed-reef communities.
✔ Hardy and adaptable – Easier to keep than many larger tangs.