Description
Silver Spot Tang – Ctenochaetus truncatus
Overview:
The Silver Spot Tang is a peaceful and visually striking marine herbivore, recognized by its dark gray body adorned with scattered silvery spots and a bright yellow tail. Its active grazing behavior and reef-safe nature make it an excellent choice for controlling algae in reef aquariums.
Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found on coral reefs and lagoons from the eastern Indian Ocean to the central Pacific.
Feeding:
Primarily herbivorous – thrives on marine algae, seaweed, and spirulina-based foods, supplemented with high-quality herbivore pellets or flakes to maintain vibrant coloration and digestive health.
Tank Mates:
Ideal for peaceful community tanks. Can be housed with other tangs if the aquarium is sufficiently large to reduce territorial disputes.
Aggression:
Mildly territorial – may defend grazing areas but is generally peaceful in mature aquariums with adequate swimming space.
Experience Level:
Intermediate aquarists – requires a mature, stable aquarium with ample swimming space and a consistent supply of algae-based foods.
Water Parameters:
-
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
-
pH: 8.1–8.4
-
Salinity: 1.020–1.025
-
Minimum Tank Size: 100+ gallons
The Silver Spot Tang is a functional and visually appealing herbivore, perfect for reef or community marine setups where algae control and active swimming behavior are desired.
