Naso Blonde Tang

Also known as the Blonde Naso Tang or Lipstick Tang.

The Naso Blonde Tang is a graceful and visually stunning tang known for its elongated body, flowing tail streamers (in males), and the signature “lipstick” coloration around its mouth. Native to the Indo-Pacific, including Hawaii, the Maldives, and the Red Sea, this species is admired for its peaceful temperament, algae-grazing efficiency, and impressive size. With its striking coloration and active swimming behavior, the Blonde Naso Tang is a prized addition for advanced reef hobbyists with large, open aquariums.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Naso elegans
Common Names: Blonde Naso Tang, Lipstick Tang, Elegant Unicornfish
Adult Size: 16–18 inches (40–46 cm)
Lifespan: 10–15+ years with proper care
Temperament: Peaceful; can be territorial with other Naso tangs
Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe – will not harm corals or invertebrates
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons (220+ gallons recommended for adults)
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced – requires stable water parameters and extensive swimming space

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Found in deep reef slopes, outer reef areas, and lagoons across the Indo-Pacific. Primarily grazes on marine algae.

Tank Environment:
● Large open swimming space
● Strong water flow to support active swimming
● Ample live rock for grazing
● Best kept in mature aquariums (6+ months)

Water Parameters:
● Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
● Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
● pH: 8.1–8.4
● Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
● Nitrate: <20 ppm
● Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Essential Equipment:
● High-performance protein skimmer
● Strong mechanical & biological filtration
● Reef-compatible lighting
● Regular water changes (10–15% weekly)

Diet & Feeding

Naso Blonde Tangs are primarily herbivores and require a fiber-rich, algae-based diet.

Recommended Foods:
● Algae-based pellets and flakes
● Nori sheets (daily)
● Spirulina
● Frozen herbivore mixes
● Enriched marine algae and seaweed blends

Feeding Schedule:
● 2–3 times daily
● Provide enough food for 2–3 minutes of feeding
● Offer varied herbivore foods for vibrant coloration and digestion

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
Generally peaceful but may show territorial behavior toward other Naso or large tang species.

Tank Mates:
● Gobies, wrasses, anthias, chromis
● Peaceful tangs when introduced carefully
● Avoid aggressive surgeonfish or overly dominant species

Pairing Behavior:
Can be kept singly. Pairs or groups require extremely large tanks (300+ gallons).

Reef Compatibility

Completely reef-safe and will not harm corals or invertebrates. Excellent for mixed reef or FOWLR systems.

Acclimation & Care Tips

Initial Acclimation:
● Drip acclimate for 45–60 minutes
● Float bag for 15–20 minutes
● Introduce with dimmed lights

Health Considerations:
● Susceptible to ich and velvet if stressed
● Quarantine for 2–3 weeks recommended

Signs of a Healthy Specimen:
● Active, constant swimming
● Clear eyes and smooth fins
● Strong appetite
● Bright body coloration

Color & Development

Coloration Characteristics:
● Body: Grayish-blue with a vivid yellow dorsal fin and orange facial highlights
● Fins: Bold yellow dorsal fin; black and white tail edges; males may develop long tail streamers
● Face: Distinctive red-orange “lipstick” marking around the mouth

Color Intensity:
● High-quality diet enhances yellow fin brightness
● Proper lighting enriches blue and orange tones
● Stress can temporarily dull coloration

Size & Growth:
● Juveniles start at 3–5 inches
● Reach adult size (16–18 inches) over several years in large aquariums

Special Considerations

Quarantine is Recommended:
Allows observation for parasites, ensures strong feeding response, and conditions the fish to aquarium foods.

Captive-Bred Advantages: (when available)
● Stronger adaptation to aquarium life
● Lower aggression and disease risk
● More stable coloration

Breeding Potential

Breeding Naso Blonde Tangs in captivity is extremely rare. Spawning typically occurs in the wild during group rises in open water. Larval rearing requires advanced facilities.

Why Choose a Quarantined Naso Blonde Tang?

A fully quarantined Naso Blonde Tang ensures excellent long-term health, strong feeding habits, and a smooth transition into your display tank. Their graceful movement, bright yellow dorsal fin, and iconic “lipstick” coloration make them one of the most captivating tang species available for large reef aquariums.