Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis)

The Chevron Tang or Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis is a species of Tang that goes by a few different names including the Hawaiian Bristletooth, Hawaiian Surgeonfish and the Black Surgeonfish. This saltwater fish was first discovered in the Christmas Islands, which are located in the Indian Ocean.

Chevron Tangs have the classic Tang oval shaped bodies with very large dorsal and anal fins. They have a series of odd markings that change as the fish gets older. When they are young this fish is orange with purple markings, but as it grows older the purple turns to an olive brown, and the lines become pronounced.

As you can imagine these fish are quite popular in an aquarium setting, but come with a hefty price tag, sometimes as much as $150 per fish! If you are lucky enough to buy a Chevron Tang you should make sure you provide it with the proper care. They require a tank of about 75 gallons or more with the following water conditions, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 and sg 1.020-1.025.

Chevron Tangs can be very aggressive towards other Tangs, but tend to get along with most other peaceful species. These fish are herbivores that should be fed meaty foods along with seaweed and algae to keep them healthy and happy. Once established in a tank they are considered to be quite easy to care for.  You can check out a Chevron Tang for yourself in the video below... 

If you have any additional information about the Chevron Tang please leave us a comment.