Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis) | Live Saltwater Reef Fish

The Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis), also called the Flame Fin Tang or Bristletooth Tomini Tang, is one of the most peaceful and reef-safe tangs available — a perfect choice for hobbyists who want a hardworking algae grazer without the territorial aggression of larger Acanthurus tangs. Its tan-to-olive body, bright yellow dorsal and anal fin tips, and constant grazing behavior make it a beautiful and functional addition to established saltwater reef tanks. Care level is intermediate, mainly because it requires a mature tank with a steady supply of micro-algae and good water quality.

Pickup Only — In-Store Only: This fish is available for in-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics, 1885 Braselton Hwy, Suite D, Lawrenceville GA. We do not ship livestock. Please contact us before traveling to confirm availability.

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• Tank Size: 70 gallons minimum — needs swimming room and grazing surface area
• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg (specific gravity)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• dKH: 8–12
• Diet: Herbivore — marine algae sheets (nori), spirulina-based pellets, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, and high-quality herbivore preparations. Feed multiple small meals per day.
• Temperament: Peaceful — one of the most docile tangs in the trade
• Reef Compatible: Yes — will not nip corals or invertebrates
• Max Size: ~6 inches (15 cm)

Tomini Tangs are reef-safe and one of the most peaceful tangs available, making them excellent community reef inhabitants. Like all tangs, only one tang per tank is recommended unless the tank is very large (180+ gallons) and additional tangs are added simultaneously and from different genera.

Good tank mates: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, dwarf and pygmy angels, peaceful wrasses, firefish, anthias, peaceful damsels, and most reef invertebrates (shrimp, snails, hermit crabs, corals).

Avoid: Other tangs (especially other Bristletooth or yellow-finned tangs), aggressive triggers, large angels that pick at corals, and any aggressive or predatory fish that could harass a slim, peaceful grazer.

• Marine algae sheets & herbivore foods — primary diet for daily grazing
• Reef salt mixes — keep salinity stable during water changes
• Reef additives & supplements — alkalinity, calcium, and trace elements
• Water care & conditioners — for stable parameters
• Water testing kits — monitor reef parameters regularly

Is the Tomini Tang reef safe?
Yes. As a bristletooth grazer it eats film algae, diatoms, and detritus from rock and sand surfaces. It will not pick at corals, clams, or invertebrates.

What does it eat?
It is primarily an herbivore that grazes constantly. Offer marine algae sheets (nori) clipped to the glass daily, plus spirulina pellets, frozen mysis, and quality herbivore preparations. Adequate algae and varied feeding are critical to long-term health.

How big does it get and what tank size do I need?
Adults reach about 6 inches. A 70-gallon tank is the practical minimum, with 90+ gallons recommended for long-term housing in a mature reef.

Can I keep it with another tang?
In most home aquariums, only one tang per tank is recommended. In tanks 180 gallons or larger, multiple tangs from different genera can sometimes coexist when added together — but Tomini Tangs are best kept as the only Bristletooth.