Short Tail Bristletooth Tang

Short Tail Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus) 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 purple-black body with distinctive blue markings around the lips and facial area that give it the "cyanocheilus" (blue-lipped) scientific name, plus the characteristic bristle-like teeth and notably shorter tail peduncle that gives it its common name. The blue facial accents against the dark body and compact proportions make it easily distinguishable from other bristletooth tangs. It can reach about 6 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 outstanding algae-cleaning abilities that make them valuable members of the reef 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 blue facial 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.