Naso elegans
The Blonde Naso Tang, *Naso elegans*, is a striking and popular surgeonfish known for its elegant appearance and active swimming behavior. This species is characterized by its elongated body, a prominent “nose” or rostrum that develops with age, and a beautiful coloration. The body is typically a muted gray to olive, but the dorsal fin is a vibrant yellow, and the anal and caudal fins are often edged in blue. Two bright yellow patches are located at the base of the caudal fin, each containing a sharp spine.
A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended for the Blonde Naso Tang due to its potential size and active swimming habits. A larger tank is always preferable to provide ample swimming space and reduce stress. The aquarium should have plenty of live rock for grazing on algae and providing hiding places. While generally considered reef-safe, they may occasionally nip at large polyp stony corals or clam mantles, especially if not well-fed.
In the wild, the Blonde Naso Tang is primarily a herbivore, grazing on various types of marine algae. In the aquarium, their diet should consist mainly of marine algae, such as dried seaweed (nori) offered on a veggie clip, and high-quality flake and pellet foods designed for herbivores. Supplementing their diet with occasional offerings of mysis shrimp or other meaty foods can also be beneficial.
Blonde Naso Tangs can grow quite large in captivity, reaching lengths of up to 18 inches. They are generally peaceful towards other fish, but can be territorial towards other tangs, especially those of similar size or shape. Introducing them to the aquarium as one of the last fish can help minimize aggression. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females. Breeding in captivity is extremely difficult and has not been widely successful.