 |
Fish Guide |  |
Family: Acanthuridae (Tangs/Surgeonfishes)
Natural Range: Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific Region, Pacific Ocean
Depth: 0 to 295 ft. Size: 24 in. Jumps: Space: 135+ gal.
Reef Safe: Caution Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Brown macroalgae (Sargassum, Dictyota)
Natural History: The Naso Tang is found over coral, rock, or rubble areas of seaward reef zones. Adults are usually observed in small groups. Juveniles frequent shallow rocky zones, and swim in groups of mixed tang species. Males have tail streamers that females do not have. This fish, like all tangs, possesses a spine on its caudal peduncle that it can use in defense.
Husbandry: The Naso Tang should be housed in an aquarium that gives it plenty of swimming space. The adult Naso Tang is likely to be aggressive toward other tanges, especially Naso tangs, so it is best housed singly.. It will probably not bother unrelated tankmates, and even other Naso tangs as a young juvenile. This species is herbivorous but will likely eat nearly all types of aquarium fare, even flake food. This fish should be moved with a container and not a net due to its spine. There are reports of this tang nipping at stony coral polyps.
AKA: Orange-spine Unicornfish, Lipstick Tang