Tang Blue Lip Bristletooth SML

The Blue Lip Bristletooth Tang is an orangy brown colour. It has blue lips and a blue/grey chest, dorsal and anal fins also have a blue trim on the edge. There are faint thin blue lines running across the body and yellow spots on its head and face. It also has a yellow ring around its eye. Each side of the caudal peduncle has a spine which erects when excited. Aquarists should be careful when handling them. Juveniles' colours varies between yellow and pale brown.

Breeding information is limited for this species. Tangs and Surgeonfish, in general, are gonochoristic, but determining sex may be difficult. Courtship involves the male performing a dance in front of the female. Once it entices a female to spawn, they will rise to the surface as a pair and release their gametes.

This species is distributed across Indo-Pacific waters. Locations include Indonesia, Philippines, the Great Barrier Reef and Samoa. They usually inhabit upper reefs with an abundance of coral, between depths of 7-15 metres.

Tank Recommendations for the Blue Lip Bristletooth Tang

The smallest tank size should be at least 106 gallons (401.3 litres).

The Blue Lip Bristletooth Tang can be housed in a reef or fish only tank. The tank should be mature with substantial algae growth on rocks and stones. Rockwork should be arranged so there are a variety of hiding places. There should also be plenty of open space for swimming.

It is important to maintain good water quality as this helps prevent marine white spot.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Blue Lip Bristletooth Tangs are semi-aggressive. They get along with most fish but may be aggressive to conspecifics and similar species.

Issues may also arise with territorial fish that "own" an area of the aquarium.

Usually Compatible

Suitable companions include Angelfish, Gobies, Basslets, Clownfish, Jawfish, and Squirrelfish.

Sometime Compatible

Conspecifics and similar species will need monitoring. Care should also be taken with Rabbitfish, Batfish, Triggerfish, Sharks, and Rays.

Rarely Compatible

Pipefish and Seahorses are unsuitable for cohabiting with this species.

Feeding Your Blue Lip Bristletooth Tang

Blue Lip Bristletooth Tangs are mainly herbivores, although they may eat some meaty products. Their diet should consist of microalgae such as spirulina, and macroalgae such as nori sheets. They will also eat enriched vegetable flakes, broccoli, and zucchini. Meaty products such as artemia, krill, and mysis shrimp are suitable in small portions. They should be fed 2-3 times per day.