Bristletooths [Ctenochaetus]

Description

Ctenochaetus is a genus of marine fish within the Acanthuridae family, commonly referred to as bristletooths or combtooth tangs. These fish are named for their unique dentition; their teeth are small, numerous, and brush-like, adapted for scraping algae from coral and rocks. They inhabit tropical and subtropical reefs across the Indo-Pacific region. Ctenochaetus species are characterized by their small to medium size, laterally compressed bodies, and vibrant color patterns that often change significantly from juvenile to adult stages. They play a crucial role in the reef ecosystem by controlling algal growth and contributing to the bioerosion of the reef structure.

Species

Taxonomy