Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply

Shipping Allowed?

About Two Spot Bristletooth Tang

The Two Spot Bristletooth Tang is a beautiful and useful reef fish recognised for its blue-grey to brown body, fine spotting and distinctive dark spots near the rear of the body. It is a member of the Ctenochaetus genus, commonly known as the Bristletooth Tangs.

Unlike many larger surgeonfish, Bristletooth Tangs have specialised comb-like teeth that allow them to scrape algae, detritus and biofilm from rock surfaces. This makes the Two Spot Bristletooth Tang an excellent addition to a mature reef aquarium.

They are active fish that spend much of their day grazing across live rock and exploring the aquarium. They are generally peaceful towards most community fish but can become territorial towards other tangs, particularly similar-shaped species.

A varied herbivorous diet is important, including nori, marine algae, Spirulina-based foods and quality herbivore pellets.

Two Spot Bristletooth Tangs are generally reef safe and will normally leave corals and larger ornamental invertebrates alone.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus binotatus
Common Name: Two Spot Bristletooth Tang / Two Spot Bristletooth Surgeonfish
Family: Acanthuridae
Type: Marine Fish / Bristletooth Tang
Adult Size: Approximately 15–18 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Territorial
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 250 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Herbivore / Detritivore
Tank Level: All Levels / Rockwork
Reef Safe: Yes
Suitable For: Mature reef aquariums and marine community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Two Spot Bristletooth Tang get?

They can reach approximately 15–18 cm, making them a more manageable tang for appropriately sized reef aquariums.

Are Two Spot Bristletooth Tangs reef safe?

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

What do Two Spot Bristletooth Tangs eat?

They naturally feed on algae, detritus and biofilm. Supplement natural grazing with nori, marine algae, Spirulina-based foods and quality herbivore pellets.

Can Two Spot Bristletooth Tangs be kept with other tangs?

They can become territorial towards other tangs, particularly other Ctenochaetus or similarly shaped surgeonfish. Adequate space and careful stocking are important.

Do they need live rock?

Yes. Mature live rock provides natural algae, biofilm and detritus for grazing and is an important part of their environment.

Common Mistakes

Adding one to a new aquarium
Bristletooth Tangs benefit from an established supply of algae, biofilm and natural grazing material.

Not providing enough algae-based food
Supplement their natural grazing regularly with nori and other marine algae.

Keeping multiple tangs without enough space
Territorial behaviour can develop between surgeonfish.

Not providing enough rockwork
Rock surfaces provide essential grazing areas as well as shelter.

Assuming their small size means they need little swimming space
They are active fish and still require plenty of room to explore and graze.