Description
Tomini Tang – Ctenochaetus tominiensis
Overview:
The Tomini Tang, also known as the Tomini Bristletooth Tang, is a compact and hardy surgeonfish prized for its manageable size and algae-eating abilities. Featuring a brown body with contrasting golden dorsal and caudal fin highlights, this species adds both beauty and utility to reef aquariums.
Origin:
Native to the Western Pacific Ocean, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and surrounding reef regions.
Feeding:
Primarily herbivorous, grazing on diatoms and algae using its bristle-like teeth. Provide a diet of dried seaweed (nori), spirulina, algae-based pellets, and occasional mysis or brine shrimp for variety.
Tank Mates:
Well-suited for peaceful reef and community tanks. Avoid housing with other tangs in small tanks to minimize aggression, but generally safe with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
Aggression:
Mildly territorial, particularly toward other tangs or similar-shaped fish, but far less aggressive than larger surgeonfish species.
Experience Level:
Beginner to intermediate aquarists – considered one of the easiest tangs to keep due to its smaller size, hardiness, and algae-grazing nature.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025
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Minimum Tank Size: 70+ gallons
The Tomini Tang is a reef-safe, compact, and hardy algae grazer, making it one of the best tang choices for smaller marine aquariums.
