Tomini Surgeon Fish

Tomini Tang Overview

• Common Name: Tomini Tang

• Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus tominiensis

• Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfish/Tangs)

• Origin: Western Pacific — Indonesia, Fiji, Solomon Islands, and nearby reef zones

• Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–10 years with good care

🌈 Appearance

• Body: Compact and oval-shaped

• Coloration:

  • Deep brown to tan body

  • Bright yellow or orange highlights on dorsal, caudal (tail), and anal fins

  • White or blue markings may develop with age

• Juveniles: Often more vibrant, especially around the fins

• Mouth: Bristlemouth species — designed for grazing algae and detritus

🏝️ Natural Habitat

• Found on outer reef slopes and coral rubble zones, typically in areas with good water movement

• Spends most of its time grazing on surfaces for algae and detritus

🐠 Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters) — more is better for swimming space

• Tank Setup:

  • Open swimming space

  • Plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding

  • Good water flow to simulate reef currents

• Lighting: Moderate to bright (algae growth is beneficial)

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20 ppm ideal

🍽️ Diet

• Feeding Type: Primarily herbivore (detritivore)

• Natural Diet: Algae, detritus, diatoms

• In Aquarium:

  • Nori (seaweed) sheets on a veggie clip

  • Algae-based flakes/pellets

  • Spirulina

  • Occasional meaty foods (mysis, brine shrimp) for variety

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily

Bonus: Helps control nuisance algae in reef tanks!

🤝 Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but territorial with other tangs, especially similar species or other Ctenochaetus

• Reef Safe: ✅ Yes — will not bother corals or most inverts

• Tankmates:

  • Gets along with most peaceful to semi-aggressive fish

  • Best kept as the only tang unless tank is large (>125 gal)

✅ Pros

• Smallest of the tangs — suitable for medium-sized tanks

• Reef safe and algae-eating

• Peaceful and hardy once acclimated

• Easy to feed and maintain

• Attractive coloration, especially in juveniles

❌ Cons

• Can become territorial as it matures

• May nip at fleshy LPS corals if underfed

• Sensitive to poor water quality or stress during acclimation

• Susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) like all tangs

💡 Tips for Success

• Use quarantine when possible — tangs are ich-prone

• Offer daily seaweed or spirulina to prevent aggression and health issues

• Provide plenty of live rock to encourage natural grazing behavior

• Add tangs last, after peaceful fish, to reduce territorial behavior

• Keep only one tang per tank unless in a very large system

Summary