Coral Reef
Tang / Surgeonfish
More details
Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis)
Pro
Pro
Description
A striking tang species known for its intense orange-striped juvenile coloration that fades into sleek black and blue as it matures. A specialized detritivore that plays a key role in reef cleanliness.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires excellent water quality and algae-rich live rock. Sensitive to aggression from other tangs or early stress.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught from Hawaii and the central Pacific. No large-scale captive breeding yet; harvesting is regulated but should be monitored.
Origin
Endemic to the central Pacific Ocean, particularly Hawaiian reefs and Johnston Atoll.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Juveniles display bright orange bodies with deep red chevrons. Adults transition to dark purple or near-black with blue edging. Unique among tangs for this dramatic ontogenetic color change.
Purpose
Feeds primarily on detritus and film algae. Helps control microalgae and maintain substrate cleanliness. Adds a mature, refined contrast to colorful reef tanks.
Importance
Chevron Tangs are one of the few tangs that graze detritus in addition to algae, helping prevent buildup in hard-to-reach reef crevices.
Included Resources
Needs well-established reef tanks with high biological maturity. Rockwork must offer plenty of grazing surfaces and hiding spots. UV sterilization helps with disease prevention.
Best Use Cases
Mature reef tanks, SPS-dominated layouts, and setups with slower, less aggressive tank mates. Ideal as a visual transition from juvenile reef tanks to adult displays.
Conservation Context
Collection from Hawaii is regulated to protect populations. Supporting sustainably sourced or aquacultured alternatives is advised where possible.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clownfish and anthias
• Firefish and wrasses
• Blennies and cleaner gobies
• Soft corals, SPS, and LPS corals
Region (A)
• Latitude: 21.4389° N
• Longitude: -158.0001° W
(Oʻahu, Hawaiian Islands – reef slopes and crests)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 16.7300° N
• Longitude: -169.5333° W
(Johnston Atoll – isolated Pacific reef)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires excellent water quality and algae-rich live rock. Sensitive to aggression from other tangs or early stress.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught from Hawaii and the central Pacific. No large-scale captive breeding yet; harvesting is regulated but should be monitored.
Origin
Endemic to the central Pacific Ocean, particularly Hawaiian reefs and Johnston Atoll.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Juveniles display bright orange bodies with deep red chevrons. Adults transition to dark purple or near-black with blue edging. Unique among tangs for this dramatic ontogenetic color change.
Purpose
Feeds primarily on detritus and film algae. Helps control microalgae and maintain substrate cleanliness. Adds a mature, refined contrast to colorful reef tanks.
Importance
Chevron Tangs are one of the few tangs that graze detritus in addition to algae, helping prevent buildup in hard-to-reach reef crevices.
Included Resources
Needs well-established reef tanks with high biological maturity. Rockwork must offer plenty of grazing surfaces and hiding spots. UV sterilization helps with disease prevention.
Best Use Cases
Mature reef tanks, SPS-dominated layouts, and setups with slower, less aggressive tank mates. Ideal as a visual transition from juvenile reef tanks to adult displays.
Conservation Context
Collection from Hawaii is regulated to protect populations. Supporting sustainably sourced or aquacultured alternatives is advised where possible.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clownfish and anthias
• Firefish and wrasses
• Blennies and cleaner gobies
• Soft corals, SPS, and LPS corals
Region (A)
• Latitude: 21.4389° N
• Longitude: -158.0001° W
(Oʻahu, Hawaiian Islands – reef slopes and crests)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 16.7300° N
• Longitude: -169.5333° W
(Johnston Atoll – isolated Pacific reef)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires excellent water quality and algae-rich live rock. Sensitive to aggression from other tangs or early stress.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught from Hawaii and the central Pacific. No large-scale captive breeding yet; harvesting is regulated but should be monitored.
Origin
Endemic to the central Pacific Ocean, particularly Hawaiian reefs and Johnston Atoll.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Juveniles display bright orange bodies with deep red chevrons. Adults transition to dark purple or near-black with blue edging. Unique among tangs for this dramatic ontogenetic color change.
Purpose
Feeds primarily on detritus and film algae. Helps control microalgae and maintain substrate cleanliness. Adds a mature, refined contrast to colorful reef tanks.
Importance
Chevron Tangs are one of the few tangs that graze detritus in addition to algae, helping prevent buildup in hard-to-reach reef crevices.
Included Resources
Needs well-established reef tanks with high biological maturity. Rockwork must offer plenty of grazing surfaces and hiding spots. UV sterilization helps with disease prevention.
Best Use Cases
Mature reef tanks, SPS-dominated layouts, and setups with slower, less aggressive tank mates. Ideal as a visual transition from juvenile reef tanks to adult displays.
Conservation Context
Collection from Hawaii is regulated to protect populations. Supporting sustainably sourced or aquacultured alternatives is advised where possible.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clownfish and anthias
• Firefish and wrasses
• Blennies and cleaner gobies
• Soft corals, SPS, and LPS corals
Region (A)
• Latitude: 21.4389° N
• Longitude: -158.0001° W
(Oʻahu, Hawaiian Islands – reef slopes and crests)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 16.7300° N
• Longitude: -169.5333° W
(Johnston Atoll – isolated Pacific reef)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis)
Region
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