Blonde Naso Tang (Naso elegans)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, Blue, Yellow

Diet : Herbivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 1' 6"

Origin : Maldives, Sri Lanka

Family : Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons

Naso Elegans is a tropical fish found in coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. It is commonly known as the Elegant Unicornfish, Indian Orange-Spine Unicorn, Orange-Spine Unicorn, and Smoothheaded Unicornfish.

As a juvenile, it is gray with a yellow stripe on both the dorsal and anal fin. When matured, the body takes on a darker bluish-gray tone and the juvenile striping is supplemented with additional color. The tail takes on a lyre shape and two yellow patches appear at the peduncle spines near the tail. A thin, black mask forms between the eyes and mouth, and the lips develop a yellow color. 

Despite its nonchalant swimming, the Unicornfish is a fairly active and good swimmer. A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room, places to hide, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping to escape. 

Sociable and peaceful, this fish maintains excellent relations with the other occupants of the aquarium. Being a peaceful fish with an amicable nature, it will get along with most other marine fish. Though it can be kept with a variety of tank mates this species has been known to get aggressive with other surgeonfish, especially those of its own genus. Unless you have a huge (hundreds of gallons) system, it is best to house just one Naso Tang to a tank. They get along with all fish except very aggressive triggers or fish that can swallow them whole (as juveniles).  

Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. 

 Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Small/Medium: 2" to 3"; Medium 3" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 6"; Large: 6" to 8"; X Large 8" to 10"; XX Large 10" to 12"