Two-spot Bristletooth Care Guide
Ctenochaetus binotatus is an Indo-Pacific bristletooth surgeonfish with two dark fin spots that grazes detritus and algal films.
Overview
Ctenochaetus binotatus, the two-spot bristletooth, is a surgeonfish of the family Acanthuridae. It has a brown body with pale spots and lines, blue eyes, and a dark spot at the rear of both the dorsal and anal fins. FishBase reports a maximum published total length of 22 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acanthuridae
- Genus: Ctenochaetus
- Scientific name: Ctenochaetus binotatus
Habitat
The species has a wide Indo-Pacific distribution from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan and south to New South Wales. It inhabits coral and rubble areas, deep lagoons and seaward reefs at depths to about 60 m. FishBase records a temperature range of roughly 24.5-28.9 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- dKH: 8-12
- Adult size: 14-18 cm
- Lifespan: 10-25 years
Diet
This is a detritivore that scoops up films of detritus and single-celled algae, including dinoflagellates. In captivity it should be offered abundant grazing on live rock supplemented with marine algae and herbivore preparations several times daily.
Reef compatibility
Considered reef-safe: it grazes detritus and microalgae and does not nip corals or sessile invertebrates. Stable specific gravity (1.024-1.026) and alkalinity (dKH 8-12) support both the fish and reef inhabitants.
Compatibility
Typically found singly in the wild. It is semi-aggressive toward other bristletooths and similarly shaped tangs, so avoid housing it with other tangs in small systems. Compatible tankmates include wrasses, clownfish, angelfish and sturdy triggerfish.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2010).