Flame Fin ( Tomini ) Tang

Flame Fin Tang (Tomini Tang) - Compact Algae-Eating Beauty

The Flame Fin Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis), also known as the Tomini Tang or Tomini Bristletooth Tang, is one of the most popular and practical tangs for reef aquariums. With its distinctive flame-orange dorsal and anal fins contrasting against a brown body, manageable adult size, and voracious appetite for algae, this hardy tang is an excellent choice for reef keepers who want tang benefits without requiring a massive aquarium. The Tomini Tang brings both beauty and exceptional algae control to medium-sized reef systems.

Key Features:

• Distinctive Flame Fins: Vibrant orange dorsal and anal fins create striking contrast against brown body
• Manageable Size: Reaches only 6 inches, making it suitable for smaller tanks than most tangs
• Exceptional Algae Control: Constantly grazes on hair algae, film algae, and detritus
• Hardy & Adaptable: One of the hardier tang species, tolerant of varying conditions
• Peaceful Temperament: Generally peaceful with other fish (except other tangs)
• Reef Safe: Completely safe with all corals and invertebrates
• Beginner Friendly: Excellent first tang for new reef keepers

Care Requirements:

Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons; 75+ gallons recommended for long-term health
Diet: Herbivore - primarily grazes on algae but requires supplemental nori, spirulina, and herbivore pellets
Temperament: Peaceful with most species; may be aggressive toward other tangs
Reef Compatibility: Excellent - will not harm corals or invertebrates
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate - hardy and forgiving
Adult Size: 6 inches maximum

Distinctive Appearance:

The Flame Fin Tang has a beautiful and unique coloration:

• Body color ranges from brown to olive-brown
• Dorsal and anal fins are vibrant orange to flame-red
• Tail (caudal fin) is typically white to pale yellow
• Blue to purple accents around the eyes and face
• Bristle-like teeth visible when feeding (hence "bristletooth" name)
• Colors become more vibrant with proper diet and water quality

Perfect Tang for Medium-Sized Tanks:

The Tomini Tang's greatest advantage is its manageable adult size of only 6 inches. While most tangs require 125+ gallon aquariums, the Tomini can thrive long-term in tanks as small as 55 gallons (though 75+ gallons is ideal). This makes it one of the few tangs suitable for medium-sized reef systems, allowing more aquarists to enjoy the benefits of having a tang without needing a massive aquarium.

Exceptional Algae Control:

Tomini Tangs are outstanding algae grazers, spending most of their day consuming nuisance algae. They readily eat:

• Hair algae (including stubborn varieties)
• Film algae and diatoms
• Detritus and organic matter
• Some species of cyanobacteria
• Microalgae on rocks and glass

A single Tomini Tang can make a dramatic impact on algae levels in medium to large tanks. Their constant grazing keeps algae in check and reduces maintenance needs, making them valuable members of any cleanup crew.

Feeding & Nutrition:

While Tomini Tangs are excellent algae grazers, they require supplemental feeding to maintain optimal health and vibrant coloration. Offer nori sheets (clipped to the tank) 2-3 times daily, along with spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or broccoli. A varied, algae-based diet is essential for their immune system and long-term health. Well-fed Tomini Tangs display the most vibrant orange fin coloration.

Behavior & Personality:

Tomini Tangs are active, constantly swimming throughout the aquarium in search of algae to graze. They're generally peaceful with non-tang species and can be quite personable, often learning to recognize their owners and coming to the front of the tank during feeding time. They appreciate plenty of swimming space and rockwork with algae growth to graze on.

Tang Aggression & Compatibility:

Like most tangs, Tomini Tangs can be territorial toward other tang species, especially those with similar body shapes or colors. To minimize aggression:

• Introduce the Tomini Tang last if keeping multiple tangs
• Provide plenty of swimming space and visual barriers
• Avoid housing with other bristletooth tangs (Ctenochaetus species)
• Best kept as the only tang in tanks under 100 gallons

Tomini Tangs are generally peaceful with non-tang species including clownfish, gobies, blennies, wrasses, and most other community reef fish.

Hardiness:

Tomini Tangs are among the hardier tang species and are generally more forgiving than many other tangs. They're tolerant of varying water conditions and less prone to common tang diseases like marine ich when properly maintained. This hardiness, combined with their manageable size, makes them an excellent first tang for reef keepers.

Tank Setup:

Provide plenty of live rock with algae growth for grazing, along with open swimming areas. Tomini Tangs are active swimmers that need space to patrol and exercise. Moderate to strong water flow is appreciated, and they adapt well to various lighting conditions. Ensure stable water parameters and good water quality, as tangs prefer pristine conditions.

Color Development:

The vibrant orange coloration of the dorsal and anal fins becomes more intense with proper care. Factors that enhance color include:

• High-quality herbivore diet with natural color enhancers
• Excellent water quality and stable parameters
• Low stress environment with compatible tank mates
• Adequate swimming space and territory

Acclimation:

Take care during acclimation, using a slow drip method over 1-2 hours. Tomini Tangs can be sensitive to rapid changes in water parameters, especially salinity. Once acclimated and eating well, they're generally hardy and disease-resistant.

Why Choose a Tomini Tang?

The Tomini Tang offers the best of both worlds:

• Tang benefits (algae control, active swimming, beautiful appearance) in a manageable size
• Suitable for medium-sized tanks (55-75+ gallons) unlike most tangs
• Hardy and beginner-friendly compared to many tang species
• Distinctive flame-colored fins create visual interest
• Peaceful temperament with most tank mates
• Excellent value for the algae control and beauty provided

Our Flame Fin Tangs (Tomini Tangs) are carefully selected, quarantined, and eating a variety of foods before shipment. Each fish is backed by our live arrival guarantee, ensuring your beautiful algae-grazing tang arrives healthy and ready to bring its distinctive flame fins and exceptional algae control to your reef aquarium.