Kole tang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kole tang |
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The kole tang (scientific name: Ctenochaetus strigosus) is a cool type of ocean fish. It's also known by many other names like the spotted bristletooth or yelloweye tang. This fish belongs to a group called Acanthuridae, which includes all the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes, and tangs. You can only find the kole tang in Hawaii, making it a special fish from that area.
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About the Kole Tang
The kole tang is a fascinating fish that lives in the ocean. It's part of a big family of fish known for their sharp, scalpel-like spines near their tails, which is why they are called "surgeonfish."
What's in a Name?
The scientific name for the kole tang is Ctenochaetus strigosus. It was first described in 1828 by an English zoologist named Edward Turner Bennett. Later, in 1884, another scientist, Theodore Gill, gave it its own special group, or genus, called Ctenochaetus.
The second part of its name, strigosus, means "slender." This probably refers to the many thin, bristle-like teeth this fish has.
How to Spot a Kole Tang
The kole tang has a unique look. Its body is flat from side to side, and it has a small mouth.
- Color: It's usually purplish to brown.
- Patterns: It has thin, light blue lines running along its body.
- Eyes: A bright yellow ring goes around its eyes, which is why it's sometimes called the "yelloweye tang."
- Size: This fish can grow up to about 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long.
- Fins: Its top fin (dorsal fin) has 8 strong spines and 25 to 28 soft rays. Its bottom fin (anal fin) has 3 spines and 22 to 25 soft rays.
Where Do Kole Tangs Live?
Kole tangs are found only in the Hawaiian Islands and around Johnston Atoll. They live in the ocean at depths ranging from 1 to 113 meters (about 3 to 370 feet).
They like to hang out near:
- Coral reefs
- Rocks
- Areas with rubble (broken bits of rock or coral)
These fish usually live alone. They spend their time sifting through the sand and rocks. They use their special bristle-like teeth to find tiny bits of food. Their diet mainly includes things like diatoms and algae, which are tiny plant-like organisms, and other small pieces of detritus (dead organic matter).
Why Are Kole Tangs Important?
The kole tang is a very popular fish.
- Aquariums: Many people like to keep them in their home aquariums. In fact, it's one of the most collected fish in Hawaii for the aquarium trade.
- Fishing: It's also an important fish for people who enjoy recreational fishing.
