Gold Rim Tang Fish

The Gold Rim Tang, *Ctenochaetus strigosus*, also known as the Kole Tang or Yelloweye Tang, is a popular and attractive surgeonfish for the home aquarium. Its body is a mottled brown to olive color, covered in fine, light blue spots that become more prominent with age. A striking feature is the bright yellow ring around its eye, which gives it one of its common names. The fins are typically edged in a thin line of gold or yellow.

A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended for the Gold Rim Tang to provide ample swimming space and areas for grazing. This species is generally peaceful towards other fish, but can be territorial with other tangs, especially those of similar shape or size. It is considered reef-safe, as its diet primarily consists of algae and detritus, and it is less likely to nip at corals compared to some other tang species.

The Gold Rim Tang is an herbivore and a voracious algae eater, making it a valuable addition to a reef tank for algae control. Its diet should consist of a variety of marine algae, including dried seaweed offered on a veggie clip, as well as high-quality flake and pellet foods designed for herbivores. Supplementing their diet with mysis shrimp or other meaty foods occasionally is also beneficial. In the wild, they primarily graze on filamentous algae and detritus.

In the aquarium, the Gold Rim Tang can reach a size of approximately 7 inches. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females. Breeding in a home aquarium is not common.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus strigosus
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Herbivore
• Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
• Region of Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Maximum Adult Size: 15"
• Recommended Tank Size: 180 gallons