Naso Tang

The Naso tang belongs to the genus Naso, known as the "unicornfish", but this species has no forehead horn. On each side of the tail base, instead of the folding scalpel of other tangs, it carries two fixed, bright orange bony plates. In adult males the tips of the tail extend into long filaments. Its very similar relative from the Indian Ocean, Naso elegans, is sold under the same name; its dorsal fin is yellowish white. All specimens are wild-collected and reach 45 cm as adults.

• At least 1000 liters and 200 cm in length for an adult; it is a very fast and active swimmer.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C; strong flow and high oxygen.
• Reef-safe; it leaves corals alone, but eats the macroalgae in the aquarium.
• It is prone to marine white spot; quarantine is essential.

Herbivorous; in the wild it feeds especially on brown seaweeds. Offer dried brown and green seaweed, spirulina foods and frozen mysis a few times a week. 2–3 times a day.

A generally peaceful but skittish tang; it can panic at sudden movements and crash into the glass. It is cantankerous towards its own kind and other Nasos.

Good companions: In a very large aquarium, tangs from other genera, large angelfish, Heniochus, foxface, large wrasses.

Avoid: A second Naso, large aggressive triggerfish, small aquariums.