Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
The Tomini Tang is a small, hardy member of the bristletooth tang family, easily recognized by its bronze-brown body, white or yellow-tipped tail, and delicate blue and yellow edging on its dorsal and anal fins. Native to the coral reefs of the Western Pacific, it prefers lagoons and outer reef slopes with plenty of rockwork for grazing. As a constant browser of detritus and film algae, it plays a beneficial role in reef aquariums by helping to control algae growth. Its manageable size, peaceful nature, and hardiness make it a favorite among aquarists, especially for smaller reef setups.
 
Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Tank Size: Minimum 70 gallons (larger preferred for long-term health and swimming space)
Care Level: Easy to Moderate (generally hardy with stable water parameters)
Diet: Herbivore – feeds primarily on film algae, detritus, and supplemented with seaweed and algae-based foods
Aggression Level: Generally peaceful – may show mild aggression toward other tangs, especially bristletooths