Blue Eye Surgeon

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus strigosus
• Common Name: Blue Eye Surgeon / Kole Tang / Yellow Eye Tang
• Adult Size: Up to 7 inches (18 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 5–10 years in captivity (can live longer with optimal care)
• Habitat:
  • Native to the Pacific Ocean, especially around Hawaiian reefs
  • Inhabits shallow lagoons and seaward reefs

  • Commonly found grazing on algae-covered rocks

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons (265 liters)
  Prefers long tanks with lots of rockwork for grazing and hiding
• Ideal Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
• Temperament:
  • Generally peaceful, especially for a tang
  • May show territorial behavior towards similar-shaped fish

  • Good for community reef tanks

Diet & Nutrition

• Primarily herbivorous, feeds on microalgae and detritus
• Offer:
  • Marine algae (nori sheets)
  • Spirulina-based flakes/pellets
  • Occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach or zucchini
• Beneficial in reef tanks for algae control

• Needs to graze frequently – feed 2–3 times daily

Breeding & Spawning

• Rarely bred in home aquariums
• In the wild:
  • Spawning often occurs at dusk
  • Males and females engage in pelagic spawning (release eggs and sperm into open water)

  • No parental care

Appearance

• Oval-shaped body with brown to purplish coloration
• Covered in fine horizontal lines or striations across the body
• Distinctive bright blue eyes and a yellow ring around each eye

• Fins may have subtle blue or orange edges under good lighting

Distinctive Features

• Named for the blue-colored eyes, often accentuated by the yellow ring
• Has a bristle-like mouth used to graze on algae and biofilm
• Equipped with a single scalpel-like spine near the base of the tail

• Peaceful nature and algae-eating habits make it a favorite among reef keepers