Tomini tang (Ctenocheatus tominiensis) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Tomini surgeonfish, Tomini bristletooth, Yellowtip bristletooth, Orangetip bristletooth
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Western central Pacific, Malaysia and Indonesia to Fiji and Tonga and the Great Barrier Reef; steep, coral-rich, sheltered drop-offs to 45 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
16 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
400 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef tank with mature live rock to pick over. an estimated minimum of about 400 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits). Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Like other surgeonfish it needs well-oxygenated water with strong flow and stable quality. Behaviour: found alone or in small groups. The article gives 16 cm standard length. The list spells the genus "Ctenocheatus"; the correct spelling is Ctenochaetus. Tangs are prone to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon irritans) and velvet, so quarantine new arrivals. Handling: like all surgeonfish it carries a sharp, scalpel-like blade on each side of the tail base that it raises when threatened and that can cut hands deeply. Move it in a container rather than by hand. Trade and status: IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenochaetustominiensis). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Our sources do not describe its diet; bristletooth tangs pick fine algae and detritus from surfaces. Provide mature live rock and feed nori, spirulina-based foods and some small meaty foods.

Breeding

Our sources give no breeding information; not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe and fairly mild, but may chase other bristletooths.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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