Silver Spot Tang - Ctenochaetus truncatus

Silver Spot Tang (Ctenochaetus truncatus)

The Silver Spot Tang is an attractive and active marine surgeonfish recognised for its fine body patterning, subtle silver spotting and constant grazing behaviour. Like other Ctenochaetus tangs, it is well adapted for feeding on algae films and detritus across mature rockwork and aquarium surfaces. Reef safe and generally more manageable than many larger surgeonfish, it is an excellent choice for established marine aquariums with plenty of natural grazing opportunities and open swimming space.

Common Name:
Silver Spot Tang, Spotted Bristletooth Tang

Scientific Name (Latin):
Ctenochaetus truncatus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 16 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Silver Spot Tang occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is associated with coral reefs, rocky reef zones and shallow areas containing abundant hard surfaces.

It spends much of its time grazing fine algae, detritus and organic films from rockwork and other reef surfaces.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Silver Spot Tang is generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish but may become territorial towards other tangs, especially similarly shaped Ctenochaetus species.

It is usually best kept as the only bristletooth tang unless the aquarium is particularly spacious and introductions are carefully managed.

Diet:
Herbivore / Detritivore / Algae Grazer

The Silver Spot Tang naturally spends much of its day grazing fine algae films, detritus and organic material from hard reef surfaces.

In the aquarium, provide regular access to dried nori, marine algae sheets, spirulina-based foods and quality herbivore pellets.

Mature rockwork containing natural grazing areas is particularly beneficial.

Frozen mysis and other marine foods may also be accepted as part of a varied diet.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 300 litres

A mature aquarium with substantial horizontal swimming room, established rockwork and plenty of natural grazing surfaces is recommended.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Silver Spot Tang is an active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time moving between open water and rockwork while grazing.

Its specialised bristle-like teeth allow it to scrape fine films and detritus from hard surfaces.

Provide open swimming areas alongside mature rockwork, caves and sheltered retreat spaces.

Strong circulation and good oxygenation are beneficial for this active surgeonfish.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Silver Spot Tang is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its constant grazing behaviour can be useful in mature reef aquariums by helping control fine algae films and accumulated organic material across rock surfaces.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with established rockwork and a good supply of natural grazing surfaces.

Regular access to marine algae should be provided even where natural algae growth is available.

Avoid keeping it with highly aggressive tankmates or multiple similarly shaped bristletooth tangs unless the aquarium offers ample space.

Like other surgeonfish, the Silver Spot Tang possesses sharp defensive spines near the base of the tail, so care should be taken during handling and aquarium maintenance.

Surgeonfish can be susceptible to external parasites and transport-related stress, making careful acclimation, quarantine and stable water chemistry particularly important.

Good filtration, strong oxygenation and regular varied feeding will help maintain healthy body condition and natural grazing behaviour.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.