Where to buy Blue-Lipped Bristletooth
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About Blue-Lipped Bristletooth
A small surgeonfish with a dark brown to olive body and distinctive bright blue lips and mouth area that give this species its common name. The body is slightly compressed laterally with small, brush-like teeth adapted for grazing on algae. Adults typically reach 5–7 inches in the aquarium.
Key facts
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific from the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and Philippines westward through Micronesia and Polynesia to Hawaii. Found in coral reef environments, typically at depths of 5–50 meters.
- Diet Details
- Feed high-quality marine algae sheets (nori), vegetable-based flake and pellet foods, and occasional blanched vegetables. Provide grazing opportunities by maintaining healthy algae growth on rocks, and supplement with dedicated herbivore pellets 2–3 times daily.
- Reef safety
- Reef Safe
- Common Health Issues
- Marine ich, lateral line erosion (often linked to poor nutrition or water quality), head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), fin rot
- Appearance
- A small surgeonfish with a dark brown to olive body and distinctive bright blue lips and mouth area that give this species its common name. The body is slightly compressed laterally with small, brush-like teeth adapted for grazing on algae. Adults typically reach 5–7 inches in the aquarium.
- Care Level
- Moderate
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Min tank size
- 75 gallons
- Difficulty Level
- Moderate care required. This tang is generally hardy and peaceful but demands excellent water quality, stable conditions (72–78 °F, 1.023–1.025 SG, pH 8.1–8.3), and ample grazing material. A minimum 75-gallon tank is needed; larger aquariums are preferable to maintain stable water chemistry and algae production.
- Diet
- herbivore
- Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.025
Research before you buy
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