Tomini Tang

Description

Tomini Tang

Ctenochaetus tominiensis

Origin: Western Pacific – Indonesia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea

Size: Up to 16 cm

Reef Compatibility:

• Small Fish Safe: ✅ Yes
• Invert Safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral Safe: ✅ Yes

Diet: Herbivore – grazes on microalgae and detritus; accepts nori, pellets, and frozen herbivore diets.

Care Level: Moderate

Aggression: Semi-aggressive – generally peaceful but may show territorial behaviour toward other tangs.

Captive-Bred Available: ❌ No

Notes:

The Tomini Tang, also called the Tomini Bristletooth Tang, is one of the smallest members of the tang family, making it highly desirable for medium-sized reef tanks. Like other Ctenochaetus species, it has specialized bristle-like teeth for grazing film algae and detritus from rock and glass. Provide ample swimming space, mature rockwork for grazing, and supplemental algae sheets. Best kept singly unless in very large systems, as tangs may fight over territory.

Why We Like It:

Compact, hardy, and algae-hungry, the Tomini Tang is a fantastic choice for reefers who want the utility of a tang in a smaller system. Its striking golden fins and constant activity make it both a functional algae controller and a lively addition to the reef display.