Kole Tang care

Ctenochaetus strigosus · Saltwater · Intermediate level care

A hardy algae grazer that is less aggressive than other tangs.

Smallest tank90 gallons

Adult size7 inches

Temperature75 to 80°F

pH8.1 to 8.4

GroupFine on its own

TemperamentSemi aggressive

SwimsAll levels

Lives10 to 20 years

Watch for: Needs plenty of swimming room and a mature tank with algae. Keep one tang of its kind.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours. Nori sheets, marine algae, spirulina pellets.

Claims a territory and guards it.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Kole Tang in a 180 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Bicolor Blenny Blue Devil Damselfish Clark's Clownfish Domino Damselfish Midas Blenny Ocellaris Clownfish Orchid Dottyback Percula Clownfish Royal Gramma Six Line Wrasse

Questions

What size tank does a Kole Tang need?

At least 90 gallons. Adults grow to about 7 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Kole Tang like?

75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 8.1 to 8.4. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Kole Tang should I keep together?

One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.

What do Kole Tang eat?

Nori sheets, marine algae, spirulina pellets. Feed twice a day: a small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.