Flame Fin (Tomini) Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Herbivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
• Max Size: Up to 6 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.023-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide to Flame Fin (Tomini) Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)

The Flame Fin Tang, Tomini Tang, or Ctenochaetus tominiensis, is famous for saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to care for this species in your aquarium successfully.

Habitat

The Flame Fin Tang is native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically around the waters of Indonesia and the Philippines. It is commonly found in coral reefs and rocky areas with plenty of hiding spots.

Reef Safe

The Flame Fin Tang is considered reef-safe as it generally does not bother corals or other invertebrates. However, caution should still be exercised when introducing it to a reef tank, as individual fish may exhibit different behaviors.

Size

The Flame Fin Tang can grow up to 6 inches long, making it a relatively small tang species compared to others in the same genus.

Temperament

This species is known for its peaceful temperament, making it suitable for community tanks. It generally gets along well with other fish species and does not behave aggressively.

Sexual Dimorphism

There are no significant visual differences between male and female Flame Fin Tangs, making it difficult to determine their sex without closer examination.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Flame Fin Tang is around 5 to 7 years. With proper care and a suitable environment, they can live even longer.

Diet in Aquariums

The Flame Fin Tang is a herbivorous species that primarily feeds on algae. An aquarium should have a varied diet of high-quality marine-based flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. It is also important to include plenty of algae-based foods, such as seaweed sheets or dried seaweed, to mimic its natural diet.

Aquascaping Recommendations

When setting up the aquarium for a Flame Fin Tang, it is important to provide plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas. Live rock formations and coral structures can create suitable hiding spots while leaving open spaces for swimming. Ensure that the aquarium has good water flow and proper lighting to support beneficial algae growth.

Captive Bred Availability

The Flame Fin Tang is occasionally available as captive-bred, although most specimens in the aquarium trade are still wild-caught. Captive-bred individuals are generally hardier and better acclimated to aquarium conditions, making them a preferred choice for many hobbyists.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals

The Flame Fin Tang is generally compatible with many fish, invertebrates, and corals. However, caution should be exercised when introducing it to smaller or more timid fish species, as the Flame Fin Tang may exhibit territorial behavior. It is always recommended to monitor the interactions between different species and be prepared to make adjustments if any aggression or compatibility issues arise.

Here are five specific tankmates that are often recommended to be kept with Flame Fin Tangs:

1. Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum): The Purple Tang is a peaceful fish that shares similar dietary and habitat requirements with the Flame Fin Tang.
2. Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris): These clownfish are hardy and can coexist peacefully with the Flame Fin Tang.
3. Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni): The Banggai Cardinalfish is a peaceful species that can add color and diversity to the aquarium.
4. Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica): Firefish gobies are known for their vibrant colors and peaceful nature, making them suitable tankmates for the Flame Fin Tang.
5. Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis): Cleaner shrimps can establish a symbiotic relationship with the Flame Fin Tang, providing cleaning services and adding interest to the tank.

Other Common Names

The Flame Fin Tang is also commonly known as the Tomini Tang or Bristletooth Tomini Tang.

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Popular Questions and Answers

Q: What is the ideal tank size for a Flame Fin Tang?

A: The minimum recommended tank size for a Flame Fin Tang is 75 gallons. A larger tank will offer more swimming space and help reduce territorial behavior.

Q: Can Flame Fin Tangs be kept in a reef tank?

A: Flame Fin Tangs are considered reef-safe. However, caution should be exercised when introducing them to a reef tank, as individual fish may exhibit different behaviors.

Q: How often should I feed my Flame Fin Tang?

A: It is recommended to feed your Flame Fin Tang multiple times a day, offering a varied diet of high-quality marine-based flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. Including algae-based foods is also essential to mimic their natural diet.

Q: How long do Flame Fin Tangs typically live?

A: The average lifespan of a Flame Fin Tang is around 5 to 7 years. With proper care and a suitable environment, they can live even longer.

Q: Can Flame Fin Tangs be kept with aggressive fish species?

A: It is generally not recommended to keep Flame Fin Tangs with aggressive fish species, as they are peaceful and may become targets of aggression. It is important to consider the temperament and compatibility of all tank inhabitants when planning your aquarium setup.