Red Stripe Kole Tang

Indo-West Pacific, known from Maldives and Sri Lanka to the Pacific. This form or colour-morph is usually referred to as the juvenile stage of Ctenochaetus striatus . However, the head of C.striatus has numerous small red spots, even when juvenile, and if these are lacking in this form, it needs further investigation. It occurs in silty coastal habitats, as well as along outer reef slopes, sometimes forming large schools. Identified by the 10-12 bright orange lines and irridescent  blue fin margins. Length to about 20cm.