Goldring Surgeonfish
Ctenochaetus strigosus
Goldring Surgeonfish is a Hawaiian reef surgeonfish that grazes film algae and detritus from hard substrate using fine comb-like teeth. It is a common aquarium fish but is not a typical angling target; most encounters are on shallow coral and rocky reefs.
Identification points
- Dark brown to olive body with many thin pale horizontal lines
- Small gold to yellow ring at the eye and yellowish markings around the head
- Narrow caudal peduncle with the surgeonfish scalpel and a slightly forked tail
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs and hard-bottom lagoon areas, especially surge-swept slopes, reef flats, and outer reef edges in Hawaiʻi, usually where algae grows on rock and dead coral.
Bait notes
Rarely targeted by anglers; if captured incidentally, it may take small algae-based baits, nori, or tiny artificial flies/softs imitating turf algae. It is not a standard gamefish.
Behavior
Diurnal grazer that picks at fine algae, detritus, and microinvertebrates from the substrate. Often occurs singly or in loose groups and can be territorial around feeding spots.
Caution
Spines at the tail base can slash skin; handle carefully. Check Hawaiʻi reef-fish regulations and aquarium-collection rules before attempting to keep or harvest one.
Fishing notes
Best treated as a non-target reef fish. Small hookless or micro-rig approaches near shallow reef structure may encounter it, but collection rules often restrict taking surgeonfishes in Hawaiʻi.