Blue Eye Kole Tang Fish

The Blue Eye Kole Tang, *Ctenochaetus truncatus*, is a captivating and industrious member of the Tang family, highly valued by marine aquarium enthusiasts for its striking appearance and beneficial grazing habits. Its body is primarily a rich, dark brown to black, often adorned with subtle horizontal stripes or a fine network of lighter lines that become more prominent with age. The most distinguishing feature, and the source of its common name, is the vibrant blue ring that encircles its eye, creating a captivating focal point.

A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming space and a suitable environment for this active grazer. A well-established aquarium with abundant live rock is essential, as the Blue Eye Kole Tang spends a significant portion of its time meticulously grazing on algae. While generally considered reef-safe, individual specimens may occasionally nip at certain corals or invertebrates, particularly if insufficient algae is available.

In the home aquarium, the Blue Eye Kole Tang typically reaches a size of around 6-7 inches. It is a herbivore and its diet should consist primarily of marine algae. Offer a variety of foods including high-quality dried marine algae (such as nori), spirulina, and herbivore-specific frozen foods. Supplementing with occasional offerings of mysis shrimp or other meaty foods can also be beneficial.

Like other tangs, the Blue Eye Kole Tang is not easily bred in captivity. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females. This species is generally peaceful towards other fish, but can be territorial towards other tangs, especially those of similar size and shape. Introducing it to the aquarium as one of the last fish can help minimize aggression.