Indian Gold Ring Bristletooth (Ctenochaetus Truncatus)

The Indian Gold Ring Bristletooth is a vibrant and functional reef-safe tang renowned for its distinctive golden ring markings and specialized bristle-like teeth that efficiently graze on algae. This species plays an essential role in controlling algae growth and maintaining a balanced ecosystem in large, well-established marine aquariums. Its peaceful temperament and active foraging behavior make it an excellent choice for experienced aquarists seeking both beauty and functionality.

Care Information
Maximum Size: Up to 7 inches.
Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum; requires a spacious tank with ample live rock and a fine sandy substrate to support its grazing behavior.
Diet: Herbivorous; primarily feeds on marine algae, biofilm, and detritus. In captivity, it thrives on a varied diet that includes seaweed sheets (nori), spirulina, high-quality herbivore pellets, and other algae-based foods.
Water Temp: 72-78°F.
Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
Aggression: Peaceful; generally non-aggressive and compatible with other reef-safe species.
Skill Level: Intermediate; requires stable water conditions and a mature tank with a robust natural food supply.
Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates and aids in algae control.

Special Feature – Distinctive Gold Ring Markings & Efficient Grazing
The Indian Gold Ring Bristletooth is particularly noted for its vibrant golden ring markings along its body, which accentuate its active grazing on algae. Its specialized bristle-like teeth allow it to scrape biofilm and algae from rock surfaces, contributing significantly to a healthier tank environment.

Compatibility
This tang thrives in community setups with other peaceful, similarly sized fish. It is best housed in a well-established, mature aquarium with plenty of live rock and an open sandy substrate to mimic its natural habitat.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: Typically displays a predominantly dark body accented with a vivid golden ring and subtle lighter markings, making it a visually striking addition under proper reef lighting.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly in coral reef environments where it forages along sandy substrates and live rock.
• Tank Setup: Mimic its natural habitat by providing ample live rock for algae growth, a fine sand substrate for grazing, and stable water conditions.