Kole Yellow Eye Tang

• ExerciseHigh

  A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–20 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Kole Tang, or Yellow Eye Bristletooth, comes from Hawaii and the central Pacific and reaches about 15 cm, making it one of the smaller, more peaceful tangs. Unlike most surgeonfish it has comb-like bristle teeth adapted for scraping fine film and diatom algae from rock and glass. A 285-litre (75-gallon) tank suits it well, with plenty of live rock to graze and open swimming space, at 24-26C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. Because it specializes in microalgae, supplement its natural grazing with nori, spirulina-based foods, and occasional mysis. It is reef-safe, mild-mannered, and often tolerated better by other tangs than most, though one tang per tank remains the safe rule.

• How active is a Kole Yellow Eye Tang?

  High. A busy, energetic swimmer — keep plenty of open swimming room.

• How much maintenance does a Kole Yellow Eye Tang need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Kole Yellow Eye Tang need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Kole Yellow Eye Tang a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Kole Yellow Eye Tang live?

  10–20 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Kole Yellow Eye Tang?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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