Vlamingii Tang (Bignose Unicornfish)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, Blue, Purple, Tan

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 : 2'

Origin : Indonesia, Sri Lanka

Family : Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size : 300 gallons

Vlamingii Tang (Bignose Unicornfish) is a species of unicornfish in the surgeonfish family known by the common names Bignose Unicornfish, Scibbled Unicornfish, and Zebra Unicornfish.

The Vlamingii Tang has a brown to purple body color when an adult. In the juvenile, The color graduates from lighter, dorsaly, to darker, ventrally. It has vertical markings on the body and blue highlights. The dorsal fin, anal fin, tail, and face are all sparingly detailed in a brilliant bright blue. The friendly Vlamingi Tang not only gets more beautiful as it gets larger, but has the ability to quickly and dramatically change its color from pale to brilliant to dark, depending on mood or environment. Vlamingi Tangs do not form the unicorn horn that some from this genus have, yet they do develop a rounded prominent snout. 

They are quite hardy once acclimated to their home. A 300 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room and places to hide. They are very active swimmers and have the ability to move quickly if startled. The aquarium should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent the fish from jumping out to escape.

It is aggressive toward other Tangs, but peaceful with other fish, and will not harm sessile invertebrates within the reef aquarium.

Vlamingii Tangs will spend their day picking at rockwork and occasionally sand in search for hair algae to eat. As juveniles, the Vlamingi is a herbivore and will prefer to have vegetable matter and will pick at algae.  As they mature, they will become more omnivorous, and when full adults become a carnivore. They are not difficult to feed in the aquarium and will accept a variety of foods. 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: Juvenile: Small: 1-1/2" to 3"; SubAdult: Medium: 3" to 4"; Adult: Large: 4-1/4" to 6-1/4"