Tomini Tang

About this fish

The Tomini Tang is a grazing saltwater tang commonly kept in home reef aquariums for its active, algae-grazing behavior and vibrant presence. Verified scientific name: Ctenochaetus tominiensis. In practical terms, a Tomini Tang can help keep nuisance algae in check while adding an active swimmer that uses open water in the display. Like many tangs, it’s best suited to a tank with enough length and grazing surfaces, and it should be introduced thoughtfully to reduce stress and potential aggression toward other tangs.

Features:

• Active, daytime swimmer that grazes algae
• Often considered reef safe with corals in community setups
• Diet centers on algae and seaweed, supplemented with frozen and pellet foods
• Has a sharp spine near the tail; handle with care when netting
• Can be territorial toward other tangs, so choose tankmates carefully
• Best results come from slow acclimation and giving the fish a quiet spot to settle in
• Needs open swimming room and a well-established aquarium for grazing

Specifications:

• Shop item: Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
• Available sizes: Tiny, Small, Medium, Medium-Large, Large
• Aquarium length (general guidance): A long tank with plenty of open swimming space
• Diet: Algae sheets and seaweed daily, plus frozen and pellet foods
• Temperament: May be territorial toward other tangs
• Reef compatibility: Generally considered reef safe with corals
• Typical reef tank conditions: Temperature: about 72–78°F; Salinity: about 1.020–1.025; pH: about 8.1–8.4