Ctenochaetus tominiensis
The Flame Fin Tang, *Ctenochaetus tominiensis*, is a captivating and active addition to the saltwater aquarium. Its body is primarily a warm brown, transitioning to a lighter shade towards the tail. The most striking feature is its vibrant orange to red dorsal and anal fins, which give it its common name. The tail fin is typically a pale yellow to white.
A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming space and live rock for grazing. Like other Tangs, the Flame Fin Tang is a herbivore and will spend its day grazing on algae. While generally considered reef-safe, individual specimens may occasionally nip at certain corals or sessile invertebrates, especially if not well-fed.
The Flame Fin Tang is a peaceful fish and can be kept with a variety of other marine species. It is important to introduce it to the aquarium before more aggressive Tang species.
In the aquarium, the Flame Fin Tang will primarily feed on marine algae, including dried seaweed offered on a veggie clip. Supplement its diet with high-quality flake and pellet foods designed for herbivores, as well as occasional offerings of mysis shrimp or other meaty foods. In a home aquarium, the Flame Fin Tang can reach a size of approximately 5 inches.