Ctenochaetus tominiensis
| Identification | Oval body, dark brown with orange-tipped dorsal and anal fins; blue-ringed eye. Juvenile more colorful with blue and yellow markings. |
| Maximum Length | 6 inches |
| Origin | Tomini Bay, Indonesia; Western Pacific |
| Minimum Tank Size | 70 gallons |
| Reef Compatibility | Excellent — one of the most reef-safe tangs available |
Behavior
The Tomini Tang is a peaceful, active fish and one of the best all-around tangs for reef aquariums. It is a vigorous algae grazer, constantly working over rockwork to control hair algae and detritus. Unlike many tangs it tends to remain more peaceful toward other species, though it may show aggression toward other bristletooth tangs. It adapts readily to captivity and is generally considered hardy once established.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivore. Grazes continuously on algae in the wild. In captivity provide dried nori (seaweed) on a clip daily, along with spirulina-based pellets and frozen herbivore preparations. A varied diet keeps colors vibrant.
Cautions
Like all tangs, susceptible to ich and other parasites — a quarantine tank is recommended for new arrivals. Provide ample swimming space and rockwork with algae growth. May be aggressive toward other Ctenochaetus species.