Naso Tang Fish

The Naso Tang, also known as the Naso Unicornfish or Orangespine Unicornfish, is a striking and popular member of the Tang family. Its body is typically a beautiful shade of gray or brown, often with subtle blue or purple highlights. A distinctive feature is the prominent “horn” or “nasal protuberance” that develops on the forehead of mature individuals, particularly males. Two bright orange spines are located near the base of the tail, giving it another common name.

A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended for a Naso Tang due to its potential adult size and active swimming habits. A spacious aquarium with plenty of open swimming areas and live rock for grazing and hiding is essential for their well-being. While generally considered reef-safe, some individuals may occasionally nip at certain corals or invertebrates, so caution is advised in a mixed reef environment.

Naso Tangs are primarily herbivores and require a diet rich in marine algae. Offer a variety of foods including high-quality marine flake and pellet foods, dried seaweed (nori) clipped to a rock or clip, and frozen herbivore preparations. Supplementing their diet with occasional offerings of mysis shrimp or other meaty foods can also be beneficial. In a home aquarium, Naso Tangs can reach a size of up to 18 inches, although they may remain smaller in captivity. There are no easily distinguishable external differences between males and females.