Juvenile Bristletooth Tang Identification

[reefrubble]

Hi fellow reef enthusiasts,

I took these three photos of this juvenile Bristletooth Tang in a tank in the back of my LFS. Neither myself, nor the LFS are quite confident as to what type of Bristletooth Tang this juvenile is. I have searched all over online and have found numerous similar looking juveniles but nothing definitive enough to feel confident making a positive ID. I would greatly appreciate any input on what type of tang this is. Answers based off of personal experience and with images are ideal. I have my own thoughts as to what it might be but to prevent this from being a leading question, I will refrain from including it in this initial post.

Best,

reefrubble

 

[Beau_B]

Kole ID

Similar discussion, might be helpful. I couldn’t say.

 

[reefrubble]

Here is one more picture that does a better job than the previous three at showing the blue edges of the dorsal fin.

 

[Anemone_Fanatic]

It might be a bluelip bristletooth tang. If so, neat fish!

 

[i cant think]

Looks to me like a Juvenile Ctenochaetus flavicauda, the body shape matches and so does the patterning.

 

[rtparty]

I believe I can't think is correct after looking at pics. If so, snatch it up if your tank will support it!

I'd love to get one at some point but it might not like my Two Spot Bristletooth Tang or vice versa

 

[i cant think]

I'd love to get one at some point but it might not like my Two Spot Bristletooth Tang or vice versa

My dream bristletooth is a C. flavicauda and I’m in the same issue as you (Also room is a nightmare). I’d say wait till you get enough room for both and introduce them at the same time or rearrange the rock and let them bicker for hiding spots.

 

[Sean Clark]

A Ctenochaetus flavicauda would be a great find. I don't see them all that often. Then again I am not always looking.

 

[TurboTang]

+1 on Ctenochaetus flavicauda.
Would be cool to have one from juv. And see it transition

 

[reefrubble]

I couldn't and had no real reason to resist deciding to purchase the fish out of pure curiosity to find out what it is as it grows! I have more than enough space and no compatibility concerns (no tangs in the tank). The LFS practically gave it to me ($25.00) since they could not determine the ID. I will post a picture of the fish once every week until a conclusive positive ID can be determined so make sure to keep an eye on this thread.

 

[Sean Clark]

That is a fantastic deal. I would have jumped on it too.

 

[i cant think]

I couldn't and had no real reason to resist deciding to purchase the fish out of pure curiosity to find out what it is as it grows! I have more than enough space and no compatibility concerns (no tangs in the tank). The LFS practically gave it to me ($25.00) since they could not determine the ID. I will post a picture of the fish once every week until a conclusive positive ID can be determined so make sure to keep an eye on this thread.

Looking forward to it!
I definitely think you got more than a steal on a Flavicauda (Also the blue lining on the dorsal fin really helps give it away), usually they’re 200 if I remember correctly - Over here they’re around £220

 

[rtparty]

My dream bristletooth is a C. flavicauda and I’m in the same issue as you (Also room is a nightmare). I’d say wait till you get enough room for both and introduce them at the same time or rearrange the rock and let them bicker for hiding spots.

6*3 250g peninsula so I have some room. My two Spot is a big baby so far. Always hiding and zero aggression towards anyone but white tail may be too similar

 

[i cant think]

6*3 250g peninsula so I have some room. My two Spot is a big baby so far. Always hiding and zero aggression towards anyone but white tail may be too similar

I personally think you could do it if you used a large enough acclimation box - I only have a 4’x2’ so I personally don’t want to risk it however in a 6’x3’ you should be alright.

 

[i cant think]

Also for the OP, here’s a photo of a Flavicauda juvenile. It could be a possible cyanocheilus

 

[reefrubble]

Update: I am not too sure if this helps with determining the ID but I have to say that his fish has a huge personality. Anytime I am close to the tank, the fish comes up to the glass and gets much more active. I thought this might just be the fish expecting to be fed but when I feed it, it doesn't even go for the food right away and instead just keeps interacting with me by the glass. Only after I move away does the fish actually start paying attention to the food and eating.

 

[TurboTang]

My white tail will follow me around the tank now, but he mostly hid the first year I had him. Each fish has its own personality - and other tank mates influence it. My foxface is extremely shy and when he dashes everyone dashes. If not for him I think everyone in tank would be more relaxed.

 

[reefrubble]

Flukes! This past week the tang's overall appearance and behavior started to become less and less healthy. There were a few darkish patchy areas on its body (disease not color change) that I was having a really hard time identifying the cause of. Eventually I decided to do a freshwater dip and 8-9 flukes came off. Since the freshwater dip and starting prazipro in the QT tank, the tang is looking much better! I will post pictures in a couple hours.

 

[nereefpat]

Keep us updated. Pics as it grows too.