Naso Tang

Naso Tang - Elegant Algae-Eating Powerhouse

The Naso Tang (Naso lituratus), also known as the Lipstick Tang or Orangespine Unicornfish, is one of the most elegant and impressive tangs available to reef keepers. With its sleek, streamlined body, distinctive orange facial markings, and graceful swimming style, this beautiful tang combines stunning appearance with exceptional algae-grazing abilities. The Naso Tang is a majestic addition to large reef and fish-only aquariums.

Key Features:

• Elegant Appearance: Sleek gray body with vibrant orange "lipstick" markings on the face and orange accents on the tail
• Impressive Size: One of the larger tangs, creating a commanding presence in the aquarium
• Excellent Algae Control: Constantly grazes on hair algae, film algae, and other nuisance algae
• Graceful Swimmer: Streamlined body allows for elegant, powerful swimming throughout the tank
• Hardy & Adaptable: Generally hardy once acclimated to aquarium conditions
• Reef Safe: Completely safe with all corals and invertebrates

Care Requirements:

Tank Size: Minimum 180 gallons; 240+ gallons strongly recommended for adult specimens
Diet: Herbivore - primarily grazes on algae but requires supplemental nori, spirulina, and herbivore pellets
Temperament: Generally peaceful; may be aggressive toward other tangs
Reef Compatibility: Excellent - will not harm corals or invertebrates
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced - requires large tank and careful acclimation
Adult Size: Can reach 18-20 inches in length

Distinctive Appearance:

The Naso Tang is one of the most recognizable and elegant tangs in the hobby:

• Sleek, streamlined gray to olive-brown body
• Distinctive orange "lipstick" markings around the mouth
• Bright orange patches on the caudal peduncle (tail base)
• Long, flowing tail filaments that develop with maturity (especially in males)
• Subtle blue accents along the dorsal and anal fins
• Adults may develop a prominent forehead bump (hence "unicornfish")

Tank Size - Critical Consideration:

The Naso Tang requires a very large aquarium. While juveniles can temporarily be housed in 125-gallon tanks, adults need a minimum of 180 gallons, with 240+ gallons being ideal for long-term health and happiness. Their large adult size (18-20 inches) and active swimming behavior make them unsuitable for smaller systems. Naso Tangs are powerful swimmers that need substantial open swimming space to thrive.

Before purchasing a Naso Tang, ensure you have the tank size to accommodate this fish for its entire lifespan, which can be 10+ years with proper care.

Algae Control Benefits:

Naso Tangs are excellent algae grazers, spending much of their day browsing on:

• Hair algae and filamentous algae
• Film algae and diatoms
• Some species of macroalgae
• Detritus and organic matter

Their large size and voracious appetite make them particularly effective at controlling algae in large systems. A single Naso Tang can make a significant impact on algae levels when combined with proper water quality management.

Feeding & Nutrition:

While Naso Tangs are excellent algae grazers, they require substantial supplemental feeding to maintain optimal health and vibrant coloration. Offer nori sheets (clipped to the tank) 2-3 times daily, along with spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or broccoli. A varied, algae-based diet is essential for their immune system and long-term health.

Naso Tangs have high metabolic rates and need frequent feeding. Underfed specimens may lose weight and become susceptible to disease. Ensure they're eating well and maintaining good body condition.

Behavior & Personality:

Naso Tangs are active, graceful swimmers that patrol the entire aquarium. They're generally peaceful with non-tang species and can be quite personable, often learning to recognize their owners and coming to the front of the tank during feeding time. Their elegant swimming style and commanding presence make them a focal point in any large aquarium.

Tang Aggression & Compatibility:

Naso Tangs are generally more peaceful than many other tang species but can still be territorial toward other tangs, especially those with similar body shapes or colors. To minimize aggression:

• Introduce the Naso Tang last if keeping multiple tangs
• Provide plenty of swimming space and visual barriers
• Avoid housing with other Naso species or similarly shaped tangs
• Best kept as the only tang in tanks under 240 gallons

Naso Tangs are generally peaceful with non-tang species including clownfish, gobies, wrasses, angelfish, and most other community reef fish.

Tail Filaments:

One of the most distinctive features of mature Naso Tangs is the development of long, flowing filaments extending from the tail. These streamers are more prominent in males and can add several inches to the fish's total length. The filaments are delicate and may be damaged by aggressive tank mates or rough handling during acclimation.

Acclimation & Disease Resistance:

Naso Tangs can be sensitive during acclimation and may be prone to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and marine velvet (Amyloodinium) if stressed. Take extra care during acclimation, using a slow drip method over 1-2 hours. Quarantine is strongly recommended for all new tangs. Once established and eating well, Naso Tangs are generally hardy and disease-resistant.

Tank Setup:

Provide plenty of live rock with algae growth for grazing, along with substantial open swimming areas. Naso Tangs are powerful, active swimmers that need space to patrol and exercise. Strong water flow is appreciated, as they're accustomed to swimming in currents on the reef. Ensure stable water parameters and excellent water quality, as tangs are sensitive to poor conditions.

Scalpels/Spines:

Like all tangs, Naso Tangs have sharp scalpel-like spines on either side of the tail base (the orange patches). These spines can be erected when the fish feels threatened and can cause painful cuts. Exercise caution when handling or netting, and be aware of the fish's location during tank maintenance.

Long-Term Commitment:

Naso Tangs can live for 10-15+ years in captivity and will require increasingly large housing as they grow. Ensure you have a plan for the fish's entire lifespan, including the ability to provide a 180-240+ gallon tank for an adult specimen. This is not a fish that can be "upgraded" to a larger tank later—the large tank should be available from the start or within the first year.

Our Naso Tangs are carefully selected, quarantined, and eating a variety of foods before shipment. Each fish is backed by our live arrival guarantee, ensuring your elegant new algae-grazing powerhouse arrives healthy and ready to thrive in your large reef aquarium.