squaretail bristletooth

Scientific name Ctenochaetus truncatus
Descriptor Randall & Clements
Year of description 1959
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Acanthuridae
Genus Ctenochaetus
Ctenochaetus truncatus Ctenochaetus truncatus

Introduction

The Squaretail Bristletooth is a tropical marine fish native to the Indo-Pacific region. It is common from South Africa to Indonesia.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
  • Average size
    14 cm
  • Maximum size
    16 cm
  • Longevity
    6 year
  • Shape
    Ovoid
  • Pattern
    ponctuations
  • Type
  • Average size
    14 cm
  • Maximum size
    16 cm
  • Longevity
    6 year
  • Shape
    Ovoid
  • Pattern
    ponctuations

How to recognize the squaretail bristletooth ?

The squaretail Bristletooth is monochrome with a mostly brown body punctuated with pale yellow to white spots. This species is named after its truncated caudal fin in adults.

The body is laterally compressed and round in shape. The eye is encircled in yellow on the upper part. The pectoral fins are yellow. The dorsal, anal, caudal, and pelvic fins are slightly lighter than the body. The scalpel, located on the caudal peduncle, is the same color as the body.

Juveniles are yellow with a blue border on the dorsal and anal fins.

Sexual dimorphism

There is no apparent dimorphism in this species.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with alguivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living in small groups
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The squaretail Bristletooth is a fish that lives in small groups. It is an active species that roams coral and rocky bottoms in search of algae to graze on.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    dont le mode de reproduction est encore inconnu

Reproduction is likely to be similar to that of other fish in the genus. It would occur seasonally with gamete release in open water. The larvae are pelagic and will feed on plankton.

 

Harmless species

This species does not pose a particular danger to humans in its natural habitat. However, one should be cautious of their scalpel.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Geographic distribution & Conservation

This species has a wide geographic presence, and global populations are not threatened.

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 28 °C
  • Depth
    1 - 21 m

Biotope presentation

The squaretail Bristletooth is most often found above reefs at depths less than 21 m. However, it is not impossible to find this fish at other depths.

 

Species of the same biotope

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    300 liters
  • Population min
    1
  • Temperature
    22 - 28 °C

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    hard
  • Robustness
    sensible
  • Behaviour
    slightly aggressive
  • Availability
    rare

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

The realization of a seawater aquarium requires certain knowledge beforehand. Seawater is generally synthetic, consisting of reverse osmosis water and synthetic salt at a level of 33g / liters. It is also possible to take seawater directly (after making sure that the water is not polluted). The operation of a seawater aquarium is done in three phases: the installation of a living stone decoration, the introduction of invertebrates one month later, and the introduction of fish 3 months later. It is essential to wait as long as possible before to introduce the animals so that the micro-fauna has had time to develop well. The balance and the physico-chemical stability are fundamental for the success of this type of tank.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for the squaretail bristletooth

The squaretail bristletooth is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 28 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 31°C for long periods. The squaretail bristletooth is sensitive to abrupt changes in parameters as well as to chemicals. Its acclimation in an aquarium must be done with special care to prevent it from developing diseases or weaknesses. Nitrate levels should remain below 25mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.

The squaretail bristletooth is a species whose maintenance is rather reserved for informed aquarists . It can only be successfully carried out by carrying out a minimum of documentation work. Special husbandry conditions can easily lead to the death of the species or other animals.

This species is very rare in the aquarium trade. Instead, it is maintained by knowledgeable aquarists who own and breed individuals from wild origin strains. If you want to get this species, we advise you to contact specialized clubs. }Specimens from long time breeding are a bit easier to breed but you have to respect the particular water parameters.

Formal incompatibilities

Be careful, the squaretail bristletooth is incompatible with algae.

Cohabitation & Environment

Being a living in small groups fish, it is advisable to install at least 1 individuals in an aquarium of 300 liters minimum. Group maintenance is a prerequisite to ensure their well-being. Lonely individuals tend to quickly become stressed and become especially susceptible to disease.

The squaretail bristletooth may show signs of aggression. In general, this species should not be mixed with large territorial species or other overly aggressive species, in order to avoid possible stress or even injury.

However, it can coexist with other species with a peaceful temperament and with some slightly territorial neighbors, as far as the volume of the aquarium allows. It is important to avoid that two territorial species share the same living area in an aquarium of insufficient volume.

Tips for feeding

The squaretail bristletooth is omnivorous with alguivorous tendency.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.

Reproduction protocol

  • egg-laying protection
    No

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

These animals might interest you

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Bibliographic references

Reef fish community in the Weh Island reef waters of Sabang, Aceh Province - Isa N. Edrus - Tri A. Hadi - Depik - 2020. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/290516487.pdf

Interact with Fishipedia

To get in touch with our team or participate in our project.

Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 11/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Scientific partners

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

  • {{name}}

    {{#street_number}}{{street_number}}, {{/street_number}}{{#route}}{{route}}{{/route}}
    {{postal_code}} {{town}}

    {{#phone}}{{phone}}{{/phone}}{{^phone}}-{{/phone}}