Lined bristletooth tang

The lined bristletooth tang is a surgeonfish in the family Acanthuridae, widespread across Indo-Pacific reefs. It is one of the most common tangs on many reef flats and slopes. Adults are brownish with numerous fine horizontal blue-grey lines along the body and small orange spots on the head; the fish can rapidly pale or darken. Its comb-like bristle teeth are adapted for grazing detritus and algal films. It is semi-aggressive toward its own kind but useful in reef tanks for controlling film algae and detritus. It requires a large aquarium with plenty of live rock and open swimming space. A herbivore-leaning diet with marine algae and grazing surfaces keeps it healthy. Note that it can carry ciguatera in the wild. Suited to intermediate marine keepers.