Tomini tang

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Pacific Ocean (Indonesia, Philippines, Solomon Islands). Coral reefs rich in life and protected outer slopes, constantly beaten by strong currents, at depths of 3-25 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Tomini Tang / Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis). Small-sized surgeonfish. The mouth is equipped with "bristle teeth", specifically evolved to scrape microbial biofilm and debris, rather than tearing large algae.

Social Behavior: Diurnal and perpetually active. Very peaceful towards other fish families (Reef Safe), but distinctly territorial towards other surgeonfish, especially those with a similar body shape or overlapping diet.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Juveniles are golden or bluish, but adults present a spectacular reddish-brown livery with fine golden streaks, bright yellow-orange dorsal and anal fins and a white tail. No clear sexual dimorphism (the male has larger anal scales, visible up close).

Aquarium Setup: Marine tank of at least 300 liters (75 gallons). Abundant seasoned live rocks (essential for constant grazing) and wide open spaces for free swimming. Excellent water movement, via powerful circulation pumps (e.g. 30x the tank volume).

Diet and Feeding: Detritivore / Herbivore. The basis of the diet is continuous gleaning on the rocks. Offer Nori seaweed sheets daily (fixed on a clip), spirulina flakes and high quality marine feeds. Supplement with a little Mysis.

Water Quality: Excellent. Tolerances to nitrates and phosphates are low, typical of coral reef fish (Salinity 1.023-1.025). It is a fundamental tool for rock maintenance in the reef aquarium, limiting unwanted algal proliferation.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Cohabits harmoniously in Reefs with soft corals, SPS and LPS. Excellent companion for clownfish, dottybacks, wrasses and gobies. Introduction with Zebrasoma flavescens in small tanks is not recommended (territorial competition).

Aquarium Reproduction: Practically impossible in captivity. They are pelagic spawners (release gametes into the reef water column) and the oceanic larval phase is extremely long and complex.

Risks and Diseases: Marine Ich (white spots or Cryptocaryon irritans). Being an Acanthurid, its thin epidermis and intolerance to copper make it sensitive if the water undergoes thermal shocks.