Blue Eye Kole Tang

Description

Blue-Eye Kole Tang

Ctenochaetus binotatus

Origin: Indo-Pacific – Red Sea, East Africa, Indonesia, Philippines

Size: Up to 18 cm

Reef Compatibility:

• Small Fish Safe: ✅ Yes
• Invert Safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral Safe: ✅ Yes

Diet: Herbivore – feeds primarily on microalgae and detritus; accepts spirulina, nori, and specialized herbivore foods.

Care Level: Moderate – requires a mature aquarium with abundant grazing surfaces and stable water quality.

Aggression: Peaceful – generally compatible with other tangs and reef species.

Captive-Bred Available: ❌ No

Notes:

The Blue-Eye Kole Tang is named for the distinctive pale blue iris that contrasts with its body. It is a specialist grazer, using its bristle-like teeth to pick microalgae and detritus from rock and substrate. Best kept in tanks with plenty of live rock and algae to graze.

Why We Like It:

Active, efficient, and visually appealing, the Blue-Eye Kole Tang adds both movement and algae control to a reef tank. Its subtle colouring complements more vivid species while performing a valuable ecological role in the aquarium.