Tomini Tang – Complete Care Guide

The Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis) is a beautiful saltwater with a brownish body and vibrant orange dorsal and anal fin. This fish is sometimes called the Bristletooth Tomini Tang or the Tomini Surgeonfish. It is a smaller species of tang that will do great in a 75-gallon or larger aquarium. They come in many personalities, but I’ve found them to be more timid compared to other tangs. This guide will discuss the general care of the Tomini Tang, particularly focusing on this species’ aquarium requirements, food and dietary needs, compatible tank mates, and more.

Aquarium Requirements

As stated earlier, a Tomini Tang should not be kept in anything smaller than 75 gallons. There should be a large quantity of live rock in the aquarium. The live rock provides a surface area for algae to grow that your tang will use to graze. Unfortunately, Tomini Tangs aren’t great choices for grazing on long strands of algae. They seem to prefer shorter algae closer to rocks.

Live rock is great to have in a fish tank. However, tangs enjoy swimming in open spaces, so it’s important to provide a balance between open swimming spaces and spaces where the Tomini Tang can graze and seek refuge.

Are Tomini Tangs Reef Safe?

Tomini Tangs are generally reef-safe. There are infrequent instances where tangs go rogue and feed on corals. This is also true with Tomini Tangs. Many hobbyists seem to agree that keeping your tang well-fed and happy should result in your corals not being bothered. I have kept Tomini Tangs in the past, and they have not touched any coral in my fish tanks, and I have kept them will all types of coral species. Besides coral, Tomini Tangs will not bother your invertebrates.

Tangs are sensitive

Many people speculate that tangs have very small scales, a thin slim coat, or scales shaped in a way that makes them prone to diseases such as flukes, hole in the head, and HLLE. Keep a watchful eye for symptoms.

Water Parameters

Tomini Tang’s water parameter needs are similar to most other saltwater fish. You’ll want to keep their water temperature between 72 – 78°F (22.2 – 25.6°C), however, I suggest keeping them anywhere between 76° and 78°F. Your aquarium’s dKH should be between 8 and 12 to provide the appropriate water hardness for your tang. Lastly, I suggest keeping your salinity levels between 1.020 and 1.024 sg.

Food & Diet

This fish species is predominately herbivorous. Like other tangs, Tomini Tangs spend most of their days grazing on algae in the wild. They occupy their time nibbling algae off rocks and other hard surfaces. They may do that in the fish tank, but they must be fed Nori Sheets because your fish tank will likely not have enough algae to sustain this fish. Also, watching your tang tear algae sheets apart is quite a bit of fun.

Besides algae sheets, I recommend feeding the Tomini Tang other foods such as pellets, flakes, and protein-rich foods such as Brine Shrimp and Mysis Shrimp. Algae sheets and seaweed should be their primary source of food, but they will benefit from a variety of foods.

Tank Mates

Tomini Tangs are fish with a wide range of personalities. Generally, they will do great with other peaceful saltwater fish. You can’t go wrong with keeping them with Anthias, Basslets, Blennies, Chromis, Clownfish, Eels, Foxfaces, and many other fish species. There isn’t too much that can’t be kept with a Tomini Tang.

From my experiences, they seem to be more docile compared to other tangs. I do not recommend housing them with other Bristletooth Tangs, and I’d plan out your stocking if you’re considering keeping them with other tangs. You may see aggression between Tomini Tangs and other tangs. A 125-gallon or larger aquarium is recommended if you want to house multiple adult tangs together.

Breeding

I do not have any breeding information to provide on Tomini Tangs. To my knowledge, it’s impossible in captivity, but it would be fantastic to hear other hobbyist’s opinions on the subject.

Final Notes

There are many different species of tangs available in this hobby. Tomini Tangs have to be one of my favorites. Their beautiful colorations and fantastic personalities make them a great choice for your fish tank. It’s a wonderful time observing them weave in and out of rocks in search of algae and other foods.