Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tang - Ctenochaetus tominiensis

Flame Fin Tomini Tang Fish (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)

SM (1.75-2.75")

$129.99

Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tang - Ctenochaetus tominiensis

Reef Safe Tang

$129.99

SKU: TANGxTominiSM

Size Small (<1.75") SM (1.75-2.75") Medium (2.75-3.75") Large (3.75-4.5") XL (>4.5")

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Diet

algae/nori spirulina mysis brine shrimp

Min Tank Size 125 gallons

Temperament Peaceful

Reef Safe Yes

Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Omnivore

Diet and Feeding: The Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tang is primarily an herbivore, grazing continuously in the wild on filamentous algae, biofilm, and diatoms, with small amounts of detritus and other organic matter. In captivity, it is beneficial to make marine algae such as nori and red/brown seaweed the staple, supported by spirulina-based flakes, algae wafers, and high-quality herbivore pellets. To ensure balanced nutrition, offer supplemental treats such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped frozen marine foods in moderation. Using a seaweed clip or feeding station encourages natural foraging and keeps the fish engaged, while small feedings several times daily are preferable to one large meal. Care should be taken to avoid overfeeding, as excess food can compromise water quality and the tang’s long-term health.

algae/nori spirulina mysis brine shrimp

Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Peaceful

The Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tang is an active, nonstop swimmer that spends much of the day methodically browsing algae from rockwork, so it needs plenty of open water paired with ample live rock and a few retreat spaces. It is generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially toward conspecifics and similarly shaped tangs, so multiple specimens are best avoided unless the system is very large. A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended, with 90 gallons or more preferred to reduce stress and allow natural grazing behavior. Aquascaping should include strong rockwork and visual barriers to break up lines of sight and limit territorial displays. This species is typically reef-safe and usually coexists well with most non-aggressive tank mates, including other peaceful reef fishes and invertebrates. As a herbivorous to detritivorous grazer, it primarily feeds on microalgae, film algae, and supplemental nori or other vegetable-based foods, with occasional detrital material also taken while foraging.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.

Min Tank Size: 125 gallons
Max Size: 10 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.

Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes

Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.

Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Moderate

FAQs Answers to the most common questions.

How can I tell a Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tang apart from a Kole Tang or other bristletooth tangs at the store?

The Flame Fin Tomini usually has a more compact, oval body, a pointed snout for grazing, and a more subdued brown-to-olive base color with a noticeably reddish-orange to “flame” tint in the dorsal and/or tail fin areas. Compared with a Kole Tang, it typically looks a bit slimmer and more angular in the head, and the fin coloration is the easiest giveaway. Like all Ctenochaetus, it has small brush-like teeth rather than the obvious “saw” profile people expect from tangs.

What tank size is actually appropriate for a Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tang once it’s adult-sized?

A true long-term setup should be at least 75 gallons, with 90+ gallons being better if you want stable grazing space and lower territorial pressure. They are not as large-bodied as Zebrasoma tangs, but they are active constant grazers and need plenty of rockwork surface area. They do best in a tank with open swimming lanes plus mature live rock for film algae and detritus grazing.

What should I feed a Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tang if my tank doesn’t grow much algae?

Don’t rely on tank algae alone. Feed a varied diet centered on marine algae and herbivore foods: nori, spirulina-based pellets, herbivore flakes, frozen foods with plant content, and occasional finely chopped meaty foods. They especially benefit from frequent small feedings because they naturally pick all day. If they start thinning in the belly, it usually means they need more grazing material and more frequent feeding.

Why is my Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tang constantly picking at rocks and glass?

That’s normal and actually one of the reasons bristletooth tangs are so valuable. They are detritivores and film-algae grazers, so they constantly scrape surfaces with their specialized teeth. This behavior is usually healthy unless they are also losing weight, breathing hard, or ignoring food. In a clean new tank with little natural growth, the constant picking can become stress behavior if supplemental feeding is not strong enough.

Are Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tangs aggressive toward other tangs, and what tankmates work best?

They are usually milder than many other tangs, but they can still be territorial with similar-shaped fish, especially other bristletooth tangs or fish introduced after they settle in. They tend to do best with peaceful-to-semi-aggressive community fish and can often coexist with other tangs in larger systems if added carefully and with enough space. Best tankmates are fish that won’t outcompete them for food or bully them, such as gobies, wrasses, anthias, clowns, and similarly sized reef-safe species.

Goes well with:

You will receive a fish SIMILAR in design and size to the fish in the photo. This is NOT a WYSIWYG fish.

Flame Fin Tomini Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)

The Flame Fin Tomini Tang is a compact, algae-grazing powerhouse with striking golden accents and an elegant, angular silhouette. Native to reef slopes across the Western Pacific, this species features a dusky brown body offset by bright yellow to orange fins and distinctive tail streamers. It’s one of the few surgeonfish suitable for smaller reef tanks, offering both utility and beauty.

Tank Requirements

A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended, though larger tanks are preferred for adult specimens. Provide open swimming space paired with live rock for grazing and shelter. Strong, stable water quality and good oxygenation are key to long-term health. These tangs benefit from steady flow and appreciate tanks with high algae availability or regular supplemental feeding.

Color, Personality, and Hardiness

Flame Fin Tomini Tangs are eye-catching yet practical, combining vivid fin coloration with nonstop algae control. They are active, alert, and generally peaceful, though they may become territorial with other tangs—especially similar-shaped bristletooth species. Hardy and disease-resistant, they adapt quickly to captivity and are a reliable addition to community reef systems.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily herbivorous, Tomini Tangs thrive on a diet rich in marine algae and vegetable matter. Feed a mix of dried seaweed (nori), spirulina, and algae-based pellets, along with occasional mysis or brine shrimp. Regular grazing keeps their digestive system healthy—offer multiple small feedings daily if algae is limited in the display.

Tankmates and Behavior

Peaceful and reef-safe, this species integrates well into mixed reef communities. Avoid housing with other tangs unless in larger tanks (100+ gallons), as they may defend grazing territory. They will not harm corals or inverts, making them ideal for reef setups. Their industrious algae-eating habits help maintain a clean, balanced aquarium ecosystem.