Orange Striped Tang

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About Orange Striped Tang

The Orange Striped Tang, also known as the Orange Stripe Bristletooth Tang or Striated Tang, is a distinctive surgeonfish recognised for its orange horizontal striping, olive-brown body and blue markings. Juveniles can display particularly vibrant orange and blue colouration, while adults develop a more subdued olive appearance with fine blue lines and orange markings around the head.

As a member of the Ctenochaetus genus, it has specialised bristle-like teeth designed for scraping and sifting through rock surfaces. Its natural diet consists heavily of algae, biofilm and detritus, making it an excellent grazer for established reef aquariums.

Orange Striped Tangs are active fish that require plenty of swimming room as well as mature live rock for grazing. They are generally reef safe and can be kept with corals and most ornamental invertebrates.

Like other tangs, they possess a sharp caudal peduncle spine, so care should be taken when handling or catching them.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus striatus
Common Name: Orange Striped Tang / Orange Stripe Bristletooth Tang / Striated Tang
Family: Acanthuridae
Type: Marine Fish / Bristletooth Tang
Adult Size: Approximately 25 cm
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 500 L+
Temperature: 23–28°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Herbivore / Detritivore
Tank Level: All Levels
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Large mature reef aquariums and marine systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Orange Striped Tangs eat?

They naturally graze on algae, biofilm and detritus from rocks and other surfaces. Supplement this with nori, marine algae, Spirulina-based foods and quality herbivore foods.

Are Orange Striped Tangs reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe and are excellent grazers for mature reef aquariums.

How big does an Orange Striped Tang get?

They can reach approximately 25 cm, so a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space is essential.

Can Orange Striped Tangs be kept with other tangs?

They can become territorial towards other tangs, particularly similar-shaped species. Careful stocking and plenty of space are important.

Are Orange Striped Tangs good algae eaters?

Yes. Their specialised bristle-like teeth allow them to scrape biofilm, algae and detritus from rockwork, making them useful natural grazers.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in an undersized aquarium
These fish become substantial adults and need significant swimming and grazing space.

Not providing enough algae-based food
Even in an established reef, supplement their natural grazing with marine algae and nori.

Keeping multiple tangs without sufficient space
Territorial behaviour can become significant between surgeonfish.

Adding them to an immature aquarium
Established live rock provides valuable natural grazing opportunities.

Ignoring their tail spine
The sharp caudal spine can cause injury when handling the fish, so use appropriate care when moving or catching them.