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Tomini Tang

Ctenochaetus tominiensis
Tomini tangs have a pale whitish tail fin and yellowish orange outer portions of their dorsal and anal fins. Their bodies are orange-brown.

Tomini Tang

Ctenochaetus tominiensis
Other Common Names
Orange-tipped Bristletooth
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Orange-tipped Bristletooth

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

Tomini tangs have a pale whitish tail fin and yellowish orange outer portions of their dorsal and anal fins. Their bodies are orange-brown. Tomini tangs are the only species of Ctenochaetus with angular dorsal and anal fins. This species has been recorded to grow to up to 7 inches. Juveniles have been recorded as small as 7 cm, still with orange tipped dorsal and anal fins and a white tail fin.

Habitat

Areas with lots of coral and outer reef areas where it is not exposed to heavy surf.

Diet

Tomini tang whisk sand and rocky material with their teeth, sucking in the material that consists of diatoms, small algae, organic material and fine inorganic sediment.

Life History

Tomini tang spawn by releasing eggs and sperm into the water. Once hatched, the young tomini tang enter a larval stage where they drift with the ocean currents. They continue to grow, becoming better swimmers and eventually settle in areas with lots of coral. This species typically occurs alone or in small groups. Tomini tang have been recorded to live up to 20 years.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Fish like the tomini tang that eat detrital material play an important role by recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem by consuming and breaking down organic matter. Tomini tang are prey for a variety of predators.
Range
Found from Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, northern Great Barrier Reef, Solomon Islands, Palau, Vanuatu and Fiji.
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
Like other species of the Ctenochaetus genus, tomini tang have a thick-walled stomach to help with digestion.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Clements, K.D., J.H. Choat, C. Nanola, R. Abesamis, J. McIlwain, R. Myers, B. Russell, L.A. Rocha, and B. Stockwell. 2012. Ctenochaetus tominiensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012.
  • Myers, R. F. 1991. Micronesian reef fishes : a practical guide to the identification of the coral reef fishes of the tropical central and western Pacific (2nd ed.). Coral Graphics.
  • Allen, G. R., and Western Australian Museum. 2009. Field guide to marine fishes of tropical Australia and South-East Asia (4th ed.). Western Australian Museum.
  • Randall, J. E. (2001). Surgeonfishes of the world. Mutual Pub.
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About Oregon Coast Aquarium

Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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