Ctenochaetus hawaiienensis
Ctenochaetus hawaiienensis naturally inhabits the Central Pacific Ocean (Pacific Plate), from Hawaii to Palau and south to Samoa and the Marquesas Islands. Fish can be found in depths of 5 to 40 m. Adult fish swim in small groups near the surf, where the water is well oxygenated, among rocks and boulders, while young fish prefer to keep singly, among the corals. These surgeons can often be found in the trade, except that their cost is quite high - from $150 and up.
Ctenochaetus hawaiienensis is very beautiful. The young fish have a bright orange body coloration. Their head is decorated with mottled bright blue lines arranged in a "herringbone" shape. The fins with a purple tinge, bright blue in the back. Adult fish are dark orange in color with several dark green lines. Each side of the tail stem has a distinctive blade that the fish uses to defend itself from attack by other fish. When not in use, this blade is folded into a special groove. Care should be taken when handling this type of surgeon, because injury against its blade can cause discoloration and swelling of the skin of the hand and there is a high risk of infection. Unlike most other surgeon species, which have 9 dorsal spines, Ctenochaetus hawaiienensis has only 8 such spines, the first of which is very small. Sexual differences are not pronounced. The maximum size of the fish is 16 cm.
Ctenochaetus hawaiienensis - one of the most peaceful surgeon. It can be kept in a common aquarium with other peace-loving fish. One must avoid co-habitation with fish of similar body shape and those who eat similar foods. Keep Ctenochaetus hawaiienensis desirable to keep alone in an aquarium of 300 liters. Most of the time fish spend at the bottom and in the middle layer of water.
When buying fish, make sure they do not have damaged fins, and even more importantly, that they do not have a damaged mouth. Also make sure that the fish is feeding. If it handles algae-covered rocks with its mouth, you will have no problem feeding this specimen.
Create a sufficiently strong water flow in the aquarium with the help of a pump. It also needs increased aeration of the water. As a very active fish, it should provide plenty of free space for swimming. The aquarium should be placed corals and rocks, among the crevices which, at night, the fish can hide.
Ctenochaetus hawaiienensis feeds continuously, so it must be properly fed. The fish are susceptible to malnutrition, resulting in a significant fading of their coloration. Supplementing the fish diet with vitamin C, or adding a vitamin supplement directly into the water, may prevent many of these fish diseases. Quality water filtration is essential. Water parameters: temperature 23-27° C, acidity 8,1-8,4. Twice a month should be substituted 1/10th of the aquarium water with fresh.
Lighting from very bright to medium intensity. The duration of the daylight hours of 10-12 hours a day.
Ctenochaetus hawaiienensis fish herbivorous and in nature it eats detritus, diatoms and organics. In an aquarium, these foods may not be enough, so the fish should be fed spirulina, shrimp meat, mizids and flake dry food. Some aquarists have reported success feeding fish food such as pre-cooked or frozen zucchini, broccoli, spinach and leaf lettuce. Feed small portions 3 times a day.
Reproduction
Surgeon Ctenochaetus hawaiienensis does not breed under aquarium conditions. All fish are imported into the domestic market from their natural habitat.
