© Brian Gratwicke / CC BY 2.0Tomini surgeonfish
The Tomini surgeonfish is a small bristletooth tang from the central western Pacific. Its yellowish-brown body, white tail, and broad yellow edging on the rear of the dorsal and anal fins give it a quietly distinctive look. It grazes on algae and the tiny organisms living among it, so you will often see it picking at rock and glass. Its maximum standard length is 16 cm (FishBase), so it stays modest in size, and it is considered beginner-friendly. It suits anyone who prefers a tang that rewards close observation over flashy color.
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Apply as a breederTomini surgeonfish key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Size
- Up to 16 cm SL
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- Diet
- Mainly herbivorous (algal film, algae-based prepared foods)
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 24-27°C (FishBase). Keep water well oxygenated and stable.
- Aquarium
- Small for a tang but active, so give swimming space. It grazes algal film on rocks, so a tank with plenty of live rock suits it.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Fairly peaceful, but may squabble with congeners and similarly shaped fish.
- Reef Compatibility
- Feeds on algae and associated microfauna and leaves corals and invertebrates alone; considered reef-safe.
- Diet & Feeding
- Besides grazing rock surfaces, give algae-rich prepared foods, dried seaweed and some frozen foods.
- Health & Cautions
- It has a small spine at the tail base; handle with care.
About Tomini surgeonfish
Tomini surgeonfish: a small bristletooth tang from the central western Pacific with a yellowish-brown body, white tail and yellow fin edging. Max 16 cm standard length and beginner-friendly. Key traits, care points and FAQs.
7 things to know before welcoming a Tomini surgeonfish
1White tail, yellow edging
Look for a yellowish-brown body, a white tail, and broad yellow edging along the rear of the dorsal and anal fins. Unlike brightly colored tangs, its understated palette blends into a tank rather than competing with it.
2Small, up to 16 cm
Its maximum standard length is 16 cm (FishBase), which is small for a surgeonfish. Even so, tangs swim actively, so a tank with generous width suits it better than a narrow one. Choose the tank with its adult size in mind.
3A grazing diet
It is known to feed on algae and the small organisms living among it. In a tank with algae growth it will graze along rock and glass, but a new, clean tank may not offer enough. Supplement with foods that include seaweed or other plant matter so its diet does not become unbalanced.
4Choose tankmates carefully
Tangs can be territorial toward relatives and similar-looking species. If you keep it with other tangs, give the tank plenty of room and plan the order and timing of introductions while watching closely. If conflict continues, separating the fish may be necessary.
5Watch for white spot
Tangs are said to be prone to parasitic problems such as white spot disease. Quarantining new arrivals in a separate tank and keeping water quality and temperature stable both help prevention. If symptoms appear, confirm a treatment method suitable for this type of fish before acting.
6Rockwork and swimming room
Because it picks at algae on rock and glass, a tank with plenty of textured surfaces such as live rock suits it well. Leave open space for swimming and provide moderate water flow so water does not stagnate. A lid is a good precaution against jumping.
7Lifespan is poorly documented
Reliable information on its lifespan is scarce, so nothing definite is known. Assume a long-term commitment and set up a tank size and maintenance routine you can sustain before bringing one home. Keeping notes on its daily behavior makes changes easier to spot.
Frequently asked questions about Tomini surgeonfish
- Q.Can beginners keep it?
- A.Its care difficulty is rated as beginner-friendly. However, tangs are said to be prone to white spot disease, so keep water quality stable and quarantine new arrivals in a separate tank for peace of mind.
- Q.How large does it get?
- A.The maximum standard length is 16 cm (FishBase). It is small for a surgeonfish, but it swims a lot, so a tank with generous width is recommended.
- Q.What does it eat?
- A.It is known to eat algae and the small organisms living among it. In an aquarium, keep an environment where algae can grow and also offer prepared foods containing plant matter, as well as seaweed.
- Q.Can it live with other tangs?
- A.Territorial disputes can occur, so proceed with care. Give the tank plenty of room, introduce fish while watching their behavior, and separate them if fighting continues.
- Q.How long does it live?
- A.Reliable information on its lifespan is scarce, so no definite figure is known. Plan for long-term care and check water quality and the fish's condition regularly.
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