Blue-Spotted Bristletooth Tang

Blue-Spotted Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus marginatus) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe as it poses no threat to corals or most invertebrates, focusing primarily on detritus and fine algae grazing. This attractive species displays a dark brown to black body covered with distinctive bright blue spots and fine blue lines, plus the characteristic bristle-like teeth that give bristletooth tangs their common name and allow them to scrape fine algae and detritus from surfaces. The striking blue spotting against the dark background creates one of the most visually appealing patterns in the bristletooth tang group. It can reach about 7 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 75 gallons or more due to their active grazing behavior and territorial nature toward other tangs, with plenty of live rock for grazing, strong water flow, excellent water quality, and appreciation for their excellent algae-cleaning abilities that make them valuable members of the cleanup crew. Its diet should include a mix of marine algae—nori sheets, spirulina, dried seaweed, algae pellets—as well as high-quality herbivore foods and occasional meaty supplements like mysis shrimp, as this primarily herbivorous species excels at cleaning fine algae and detritus from rockwork and requires constant access to plant matter to maintain their active metabolism and vibrant coloration.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.