Orange Fin Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus Tominiensis)

Also Known As: Bristletooth Tomini Tang, Flame Fin Tomini Tang

Compatibility and Behavior
The Orange Fin Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis) packs a lot of personality and vibrant color into a small, reef-friendly bristletooth. The body runs deep brown to tan with a subtle golden sheen, set off by bright orange highlights on the dorsal and caudal fins and clean white edging along the tail that really pops under reef lighting. The trademark bristletooth mouth gives it that slightly puckered look as it methodically works over rock and glass for algae and film. Temperament-wise, Tominis tend to be peaceful to semi-aggressive and are often counted among the more manageable tang choices for a medium-sized reef. They're typically reef safe, spending most of the day picking film algae, diatoms, and detritus off rockwork and other surfaces rather than bothering corals or ornamental inverts. They may get territorial toward other tangs, especially other Ctenochaetus or similarly shaped grazers, but in most cases they coexist well with community fish like clownfish, wrasses, gobies, Anthias, and dwarf angels when there's enough space and plenty of hiding spots.

Aquarium Requirements
Tomini Tangs do best in mature reef aquariums with plenty of live rock and strong, consistent flow. For tiny to medium specimens in the 1 to 3.5 inch range, a tank around 70 to 90 gallons with a long footprint is a solid starting point, with larger systems preferred for 3.5 to 4.5 inch adults and for multi-tang setups. Aquascape with open swimming lanes and porous rock that forms ledges, caves, and shaded retreats, maximizing surface area for the algae and biofilm growth that fuels their constant grazing. Robust filtration and well-oxygenated water will help match their active lifestyle. Supplement their picking with regular feedings of nori, spirulina-based herbivore foods, and quality frozen mysis shrimp to keep them well nourished, curb aggression, and maintain those vivid orange fins and crisp white tail edging.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Tiny: 1–1.5", Sm: 1.5–2.5", Md: 2.5–3.5", Lg: 3.5–4.5"
Diet: Primarily herbivorous detritivore. Film algae, diatoms, detritus, nori, spirulina-based foods
Origin: Indo-Pacific reef regions
Care Level: Intermediate
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; may be territorial toward other bristletooth and similarly shaped tangs
Minimum Tank Size: Smaller specimens (Tiny/Sm) can start around 70 gallons, but plan to scale up to 100 gallons or more as they grow
Special Considerations: A compact, lighter-bioload bristletooth that doubles as a film-algae and detritus grazer