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Little Shop of Coral

Yellow Eyed Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus marginatus)

Yellow Eyed Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus marginatus)

$100.00 CAD
$100.00 CAD
Sale Sold out
Size

A hardworking algae grazer with a sleek look and a standout detail: those bright yellow eyes. The Yellow Eyed Kole Tang is part of the bristletooth tang family, known for “dusting” rocks and surfaces for microalgae and film—making it an awesome utility fish for mature reef systems. It’s active without being chaotic, stays a manageable size for a tang, and adds a subtle, premium vibe to larger community tanks.

Why we love it

  • Bright yellow eyes = instant personality

  • Bristletooth “grazer” that helps keep rockwork clean

  • Generally more manageable than many larger tang species

  • Great choice for established reefs with natural algae growth

Feeding

While they graze constantly, they still need regular meals:

  • Nori/seaweed sheets

  • Spirulina-based flakes/pellets

  • Frozen herbivore blends + occasional meaty foods
    Tip: Feed consistently to reduce territorial behavior and support immune health.

Tank & Setup Notes

  • Best in a mature tank with established rockwork

  • Provide ample grazing surfaces, hiding spots, and open swimming lanes

  • Strong filtration and stable parameters go a long way with tangs

Compatibility Tips

  • Typically peaceful with most reef fish

  • Use caution mixing with other Ctenochaetus or similarly shaped tangs unless the tank is large

  • If keeping multiple tangs, introduce strategically (and consider an acclimation box)

Acclimation & Health

Bristletooth tangs are generally hardy once settled, but like all tangs they can be sensitive to stress during shipping and introduction. A slow acclimation and quarantine (when possible) is strongly recommended.

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LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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