Tomini Tang Fish Care Guide: Appearance, Breeding & All 2024

Tomini Tang is often called Tomini Surgeonfish and is a member of the Acanthuridae or surgeonfishes family. It is usually confused with the closely related Atlantic Surgeonfish, Acanthurus coeruleus.

It isn't a rare tang species and can be found in the Indo-Pacific, often in lagoons and outer reefs. It is a peaceful fish but can be aggressive towards members of its species.

If you want a fish with beautiful colors and a little less common, the Tomini Tang is a good choice.

This article will cover everything you need about Tomini Tang care, diet, habitat, and more! So let's get started!

Species Summary

Scientific name:	Ctenochaetus Tominiensis
Other names:	Tomini Surgeonfish, Atlantic Surgeonfish
Family:	Acanthuridae
Size:	Up to 6 inches
Life expectancy:	5 years or above
Habitat:	These fish are found in the Indo-Pacific region near lagoons and outer reefs.
Behavior:	They are peaceful fish but can be aggressive towards members of their species.
Tank size:	70 gallons
pH range:	8.1-8.4
Temperature range:	75°-80°F
Water type:	Marine
Water hardness:	8-12 dKH
Activity Level:	Moderate
Sociability:	They are very social fish and should be kept in groups of 3 or more.
Care level:	Easy to Moderate
Breeding:	Difficult to breed in captivity
Diet:	Omnivorous, but primarily herbivorous

Tomini Tang has several street names, including Tomini Surgeonfish, Atlantic Surgeonfish, and Tegeni Surgeonfish. It is a member of the family Acanthuridae or surgeonfishes and can be found in the Indo-Pacific region. Its scientific name is Ctenochaetus Tominiensis.

There are a whopping 38 species in the Ctenochaetus genus, and they are just one of them. This fish is often confused with the closely related Atlantic Surgeonfish, Acanthurus coeruleus. These two species look very similar but have some key physical differences.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $50 for a Tomini Tang. This fish is moderately priced and is a good choice for someone who wants a beautiful tang less common than some other species.

Tomini Tang Appearance

Tomini Tang has a brown or black body with bold white-yellow markings on its sides. It has a yellow stripe running through its eye and a yellow or blue tail. The fins are often edged in black or blue.

These fast and furious fish stay active throughout the day and often swim in groups. You can quickly identify them by their bright, bold colors and unique appearance.

They are commonly confused with the closely related Atlantic Surgeonfish, Acanthurus Coeruleus, which looks very similar.

Males and females look alike, but males tend to be larger than females. Juveniles have different markings than adults but eventually develop the same coloration as they mature.

Tomini Tang Size & Growth Rate

Tomini Tang is a beautiful fish that often grows to be up to 6 inches long. It has a moderate growth rate and is considered moderately easy to care for in the home aquarium.

However, providing them with the proper diet, water conditions, and tank size is essential to ensure their long-term health.

Tomini Tang Lifespan

The typical lifespan of a Tomini Tang is 5 years, though some have been known to live up to 10 years with proper care. If you take good care of them, you can expect them to live a long and happy life in your home aquarium.

Tomini Tang Behavior & Temperament

Tomini Tang is a peaceful fish that works well in a community tank. They are known to be good algae eaters and will help keep your aquarium clean.

While they are typically peaceful, they can sometimes be aggressive towards other fish, especially those that resemble them in color or shape. If you notice your fish becoming aggressive, consult a fish expert or veterinarian for advice and assistance.

They don't like sharing a tank with aggressive fish, like lionfish or angelfish.

If you are planning your aquarium setup, ensure they have plenty of hiding places, like caves or plants. This will help reduce their stress and make them feel more comfortable in their environment.

They can be shy, so taking good care of them and providing a safe, healthy environment for them to thrive is essential.

Tomini Tang Breeding

They are not typically bred in captivity. However, if you are interested in breeding them, it's essential to consult a fish expert or veterinarian for advice and assistance.

You will need a large tank with plenty of hiding places and caves to breed them. You must also provide high-quality food and a stable environment to ensure your fish are healthy and ready for breeding.

You may also want to adjust your tank's temperature and lighting conditions to encourage spawning. This can help increase the hormones in your Tomini Tangs, making them more likely to breed.

Once spawning has begun, removing the eggs from the tank as soon as possible is essential. The parents may eat or fry the eggs if they are not removed. Once the eggs have been removed, incubate them in a separate tank until they hatch.

After hatching, providing plenty of small live foods for the fry is essential. This will help them grow and develop properly.

As the fry matures, you can gradually transition them to more significant foods, like frozen or freeze-dried foods.

Your Tomini Tangs can breed successfully in captivity with proper care and nutrition!​

Tomini Tang Care

They are relatively easy to fish to care for but require special attention. They need a well-equipped aquarium with plenty of hiding places and live rocks for grazing.

They are peaceful fish but can be aggressive towards members of their species, so providing them with plenty of space is essential.

Feeding them a well-rounded diet of live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods is also necessary.

Tank Size

They need a minimum tank size of 70 gallons, but more significant is always better. They are active swimmers and need plenty of space to move around.

When setting up your tank, provide plenty of live rock, caves, and other hiding places to help them feel comfortable and secure.

You will also need a sound filtration system to keep the water conditions clean and healthy.

Water Parameters

Water quality is essential in the aquarium. You must keep the water temperature between 75°-°80F and maintain a pH of 8.1-8.4.

You must also regularly monitor your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to ensure they are within safe limits.

Additionally, you will need a good quality salt mix to maintain the proper salinity levels in the water. The water hardness should be between 8-12 dKH.

They are susceptible to changes in water quality, so it is essential to keep a close eye on your levels and ensure they are within the safe range.

Filtration

To keep your water quality high, you will need a sound filtration system in place. This tank filters the water and removes any waste or toxins that may accumulate over time.

They are also crucial to keeping the tank clean and healthy for your fish.

To set up a saltwater aquarium for Tomini Tangs, you will need a high-quality filtration system designed specifically for this purpose.

Some recommended filtration systems for this purpose include:

• Canister filters: These are designed to capture much larger particles than other filters and are great for removing waste from the water.
• In-sump filters: These are located in the sump of your tank, a separate chamber that holds all your equipment. They can be hidden from view, making maintaining your tank much more accessible.
• Hang-on back filters: These are designed to be hung on the back of your tank and are a good option if you have a smaller aquarium.

However, it is essential to research and ensures the filtration system you choose suits your tank size and type of fish.

Heating

To keep your Tomini Tangs healthy, maintain a water temperature between 75° to 80° Fahrenheit.

You can use an aquarium heater to help maintain the proper temperature in your tank.

It is essential to choose a heater that is the right size for your tank and one that has an adjustable thermostat so you can easily keep the temperature within your desired range.

You should constantly monitor your tank's temperature to ensure it is not fluctuating too much or getting too hot.

Recommended heaters for Tomini Tang tanks include:

• Ebo Jager Heaters: These are made specifically for saltwater aquariums and are highly accurate and reliable.
• Hydor Heaters: These are another popular option for saltwater aquariums, and they come in various sizes, so you can always find the right one for your needs.

Lighting

They do not require any special lighting, but you will need to provide a source of light for your live plants or corals.

Aquarium lights come in many different types and sizes, so choosing the right one for your needs is essential.

Some recommended aquarium lights for Tomini Tang tanks include:

• Fluorescent Lights: These are a good option if you have live plants or corals in your tank. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any aquarium.
• LED Lights: These are becoming increasingly popular in saltwater aquariums because they are more energy-efficient and last longer than other types of lights. They are available in various colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
• Metal Halide Lights: These are the brightest aquarium lights, ideal for tanks with live corals.

However, they produce a lot of heat, so you will ensure the tank is adequately ventilated.

You should also choose a metal halide light with an adjustable wattage to control the amount of light your aquarium receives.

Plants

Adding live plants to your Tomini Tangs tank can help improve water quality and provide a natural habitat for your fish.

Many different types of live aquatic plants are available on the market, so choosing the right one for your needs is essential.

Some popular choices include:

• Anubias Nana: This slow-growing plant is perfect for beginner aquarium hobbyists. It can be attached to rocks or driftwood and does not require much light or care.
• Bacopa Monnieri: This fast-growing plant is ideal for intermediate aquarium hobbyists. It requires moderate lighting and should be fertilized regularly.
• Echinodorus tenellus: This slow-growing plant is perfect for beginner aquarium hobbyists. It can be attached to rocks or driftwood and does not require much light or care.
• Hygrophila Polysperma: This fast-growing plant is perfect for intermediate or advanced aquarium hobbyists. It requires moderate lighting and can be fertilized regularly to promote growth.

Do your research to find the best plants for Tomini Tang tanks and add some natural beauty to your tank today!

CO₂ Systems

If you want to take your Tomini Tang tank to the next level, consider adding a CO₂ system.

CO₂ systems are used in many other aquariums, so they are an ideal option to keep your Tomini Tangs healthy and happy.

Many options are available for CO₂ systems, so you should research to find the one best suited for your specific tank.

Some popular choices include:

• Ecoxotic Electronic CO₂ Regulators: This high-quality, easy-to-use system is constructed from durable materials. It maintains consistent CO₂ levels throughout your tank, so your fish and plants will always be healthy and happy.
• Pinnacle Aquarium CO₂ Regulators: This is another popular choice for saltwater aquariums because it can accommodate tanks of all sizes. Its small footprint makes it easy to install in any aquarium.

Water Conditioners

To keep your Tomini Tangs healthy and happy, using high-quality water conditioners in your tank is essential.

Water conditioners help keep the water clean and free from toxins, so they are an essential part of any saltwater aquarium.

Many options are available today, so you should research to find the best water conditioner for your needs.

Some popular choices include:

• SeaChem Prime: This is one of the most popular water conditioners on the market because it removes chlorine, heavy metals, and ammonia from your tank. It will also help stabilize pH levels and enhance the natural colors of your fish.
• Kent Marine Superbuffer-dKH: This is an ideal water conditioner for tanks with live corals, thanks to its ability to enhance the pH levels in your aquarium. It also contains essential minerals, so it will help keep your fish healthy and active.

Aquarium Bacteria

Adding aquarium bacteria to your tank is essential to keep your Tomini Tangs healthy and happy.

Aquarium bacteria help break down waste products in your tank, which is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

Many different types of aquarium bacteria are available today, so you should research to find the best option for your tank.

Some popular choices include:

• Seachem Stability: This is an all-in-one bacterial supplement designed to establish and maintain a healthy bacterial population in your aquarium. It is safe for use with all fish, plants, and invertebrates.
• API Nitra-Zorb: This granular media helps remove ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates from your aquarium. It also contains beneficial bacteria that help promote a healthy bacterial population in your tank.

Research the best aquarium bacteria for your Tomini Tang tank and keep your fish happy and healthy!

Substrate

If you want to add some natural beauty to your Tomini Tang tank, consider adding a substrate.

Substrates help create a natural environment for your fish and can also help with plant growth.

Many different substrates are available today, so you should research to find the best option for your tank.

Some popular substrates include:

• Seachem Flourite: This high-quality substrate promotes healthy plant growth and enhances the natural colors of your fish. It contains no artificial dyes, so it is safe for use in any aquarium setting.
• Rena Aquarium Substrate: This natural, clay-based substrate is perfect for replicating the look and feel of a natural river bed. It also contains beneficial bacteria that help break down waste products in your aquarium.

Decorations

If you want to create a fun and exciting environment for your Tomini Tangs, consider adding decorations to your tank.

Decorations can help reduce fish stress and provide them with a place to hide or explore.

Many different decorations are available today, so you should research to find the best option for your tank.

Some popular decorations include:

• Seachem Tufa Rock: This high-quality decoration replicates the look and feel of natural stone. It is perfect for creating caves and hiding spots for your fish. It is also safe for use in any aquarium setting.
• Marina Decorative Shipwreck: This popular decoration creates the feel of an underwater shipwreck. It is perfect for adding genuine interest to your tank and creating shade and hiding spots for your fish.

Research to find the best decorations for your Tomini Tang tank and create a fun, colorful, and exciting environment for your fish!

Other Tank Accessories

There are a few other things that you will need to create a safe and healthy environment for your Tomini Tangs.

Some of these things include:

• Aquarium Thermometer: This is an essential tool for monitoring the temperature of your aquarium. Tomini Tangs prefer water that is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• pH Meter: This is a device that helps you monitor the pH levels of your aquarium. Tomini Tangs prefer water with a pH of between 8.1 and 8.5.
• Air Pump: An air pump helps circulate the water in your tank and keep it oxygenated. This is particularly important for Tomini Tangs, which are known to be sensitive to low oxygen levels.

You can create a beautiful and healthy environment for your Tomini Tangs with a suitable substrate, decorations, and other accessories. So research and get everything you need to make your fish happy and healthy!

Water Changes

Water changes are essential for keeping your Tomini Tangs healthy and happy.

Ideally, it would help if you did a water change on your tank at least once weekly to keep the water clean and oxygenated.

Make sure you use a high-quality water conditioner with every water change, as this will help balance the pH levels in your tank and remove any harmful chemicals from the water.

Remove some water from your tank using a siphon or gravel vacuum to do a water change. Then, replace the water with fresh, clean water. Ensure the new water is at the same temperature and pH as the old water before adding it to your tank.

Regular water changes can help keep your Tomini Tangs happy and healthy!​

Cleaning The Tank

Cleaning your tank is another essential part of keeping Tomini Tangs healthy.

Make sure you clean the inside of your aquarium at least once per month, ideally with a soft cloth and specialized aquarium-safe cleaner.

Be careful not to use too much cleaner, which can harm fish and other organisms in your tank.

To clean the decorations in your tank, rinse them off with fresh water and dry them thoroughly before adding them back to your aquarium.

This regular cleaning will help keep your Tomini Tangs healthy and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria in your tank.

Cleaning The Filter

Along with cleaning the tank itself, it is also essential to clean the filter in your Tomini Tangs aquarium.

To do this, remove the filter from your tank and rinse off any debris or buildup using fresh water. You can gently use an aquarium-safe scrubber to remove any remaining dirt or buildup.

Be sure to rinse off the filter thoroughly before putting it back in your tank.

Cleaning your filter regularly will help keep your Tomini Tangs healthy and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria in your aquarium. You can create a beautiful and healthy environment for your Tomini Tangs with proper care and maintenance!

Consult your owner's manual for more specific instructions.​

Testing The Water

Regular aquarium water testing is essential to keep your Tomini Tangs healthy and happy.

There are several different water quality parameters that you can test, including ammonia levels, nitrate levels, pH levels, and more.

It is a good idea to test the water in your tank at least once weekly and more often if you notice any changes in your fish.

Many different water test kits are available on the market, so choose one that suits your needs.

Regular water testing can help keep your Tomini Tangs healthy and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria in your tank.

Common Possible Diseases

Many different diseases and health issues can affect your Tomini Tangs.

Some of the most common include:

• Fin rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that can cause your fish's fins to fray and disintegrate. If left untreated, fin rot can be fatal.
• Hole in the head: A hole in the head is a condition that results in pits developing on the head of your fish. This condition is usually caused by poor water quality or inadequate nutrition.
• Ich: Ich is a parasite that can cause your fish to develop white spots on their body. If left untreated, ich can be fatal.
• White spot disease: White spot disease is another parasite that can affect your fish, causing them to develop white spots on their body. This condition can be treated using medication or salt.
• Swim bladder disorder: Swim bladder disorder is a condition that can cause your fish to have difficulty swimming. This condition is often the result of poor nutrition or constipation.

If you notice any changes in your fish, consult a qualified veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing Diseases

There are a few things you can do to help prevent disease in your Tomini Tangs, including:

• Quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.
• Keep the water in your tank clean and well-maintained.
• Provide a healthy, balanced diet for your fish.
• Remove any dead or sick fish from the tank as soon as possible.

These preventative measures can help keep your Tomini Tangs healthy and avoid the buildup of harmful bacteria in your tank.

Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

Several treatment options are available if your Tomini Tangs show signs of illness or disease.

Some common medications for diseases and health issues in fish include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections like fin rot and hole in the head.
• Antifungals: Antifungals can be used to treat fungal infections, like ich.
• Anti-parasitics: Anti-parasitics can be used to treat parasitic infections, like ich.
• Antiprotozoals: Antiprotozoals can treat parasitic infections, like white spot disease.
• Medicated food: Medicated food can treat various conditions, including bacterial infections and nutrient deficiencies.
• Salt treatment: Salt treatments are commonly used to treat white spot disease and ich parasites.

If you are unsure which treatment options suit your fish, consult a qualified veterinarian for advice and assistance.

Tomini Tang Diet

They are omnivorous, meaning they will eat plant and animal matter. Their diet includes algae, small invertebrates, and zooplankton in the wild.

Their diet in captivity should be supplemented with high-quality fish and frozen or live foods. A well-balanced diet is essential for keeping your Tomini Tangs healthy and robust.

Some good options for food include:

• Brine shrimp
• Bloodworms
• Frozen fish food
• Crustacean foods, like krill and plankton

As with any fish, you must consult a qualified veterinarian if you notice any changes in your Tomini Tangs' appetite or behavior. However, with proper care and nutrition, they can thrive and live long, happy life!​

Diet Foods To Avoid

Some foods should be avoided when feeding your Tomini Tangs, including:

• Red meat or poultry
• Processed, high-fat human foods
• High levels of protein, like fish meal or plant proteins

By avoiding these types of food, you can ensure that your Tomini Tangs get the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.

Feeding Schedule

The ideal feeding schedule will vary depending on their size, age, and activity level. They are, generally speaking. However, your fish should be fed a few small meals daily rather than one large meal. This will help keep your Tomini Tangs' digestive systems healthy and prevent them from overheating or becoming constipated.

Also, be sure to only feed your fish as much food as they can within a few minutes. This will help prevent waste and keep your tank clean and healthy.

If you're unsure about your fish's ideal feeding schedule, consult a qualified veterinarian or fish expert for guidance and advice. However, your Tomini Tangs can thrive and live long, happy lives in your aquarium with proper care and nutrition!​

Tomini Tang Tank Mates

Tomini Tangs are peaceful fish that can do well with suitable tank mates in community tanks.

Some good options for tank mates include:

• Other calm and peaceful species, like angelfish or harlequin rasboras
• Catfish, like plecos or corydoras catfish
• Similar-sized fish, like clownfish or damselfish

It's important to avoid aggressive or territorial fish, as they can cause stress and anxiety for them. Also, provide plenty of hiding places and caves for your fish to reduce their stress levels.

Tomini Tangs can be a great addition to any community aquarium with suitable tank mates!

Fish To Avoid

• Aggressive or territorial fish, like lionfish or angelfish
• Large fish or predatory species, like grouper or pufferfish
• Slow-moving fish that the Tomini Tangs could easily threaten

Advantages Of Having Tomini Tang In Your Tank

The first advantage is that they are peaceful fish that can do well in community tanks. They are also known to be good algae eaters and will help keep your aquarium clean.

Another advantage is that they are typically shy, so taking good care of them and providing a safe, healthy environment for them to thrive is essential.

Finally, having Tomini Tangs in your tank can add diversity and interest to your aquarium. Beautiful fish with bright colors and exciting behaviors make them popular with many aquarium owners.

Disadvantages Of Having Tomini Tang In Your Tank

While there are many benefits to keeping Tomini Tangs in your tank, some potential drawbacks are also. First, these fish can sometimes be aggressive towards other fish, especially those that resemble them in color or shape.

Another potential disadvantage is that they do not always get along well with other types of fish. If you keep them in a community tank, they must choose their tank mates carefully to ensure they get along well.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, keeping Tomini Tangs in your tank has many advantages and disadvantages. Whether new to fishkeeping or a seasoned hobbyist, these beautiful fish can be a great addition to any aquarium. So if you're looking for an exciting and unique species to add to your tank, consider the Tomini Tang!

I hope this information has been helpful, and good luck with your fishkeeping adventures!​