Naso Blonde Tang with Streamer

Also known as the Blonde Naso Tang (Male Streamer Form) or Lipstick Tang (Male).

The Naso Blonde Tang with Streamer represents the mature male form of the Blonde Naso Tang, instantly recognizable by its long, elegant caudal fin streamers. This stunning tang showcases vibrant yellow fins, a sleek gray-blue body, and the classic orange “lipstick” color around the mouth. Native to the Indo-Pacific, including regions like Hawaii, the Maldives, and the Red Sea, this species is prized by advanced reef keepers for its striking presence, peaceful nature, and active swimming behavior. Due to its large adult size and constant movement, it thrives best in large, open aquariums with excellent water quality.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Naso elegans 
Common Names: Blonde Naso Tang with Streamer, Lipstick Tang (Male), Elegant Unicornfish
Adult Size: 16–18+ inches (40–46+ cm)
Lifespan: 10–15+ years
Temperament: Peaceful; may become mildly territorial toward other large tangs
Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe 
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons 
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Found on outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and deeper coral environments throughout the Indo-Pacific. Males often roam large territories.

Tank Environment:
● Very large open swimming space
● Strong, steady water flow
● Ample live rock for grazing
● Best kept in mature, stable systems (6+ months)

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

Essential Equipment:
● High-performance protein skimmer
● Strong biological filtration
● Quality lighting (reef-friendly)
● Weekly 10–15% water changes

Diet & Feeding

Naso Blonde Tang males are herbivores with high metabolism and constant grazing needs.

Recommended Foods:
● Nori sheets (daily)
● Spirulina-based pellets and flakes
● Marine algae and seaweed blends
● Frozen herbivore formulas
● Enriched greens such as spirulina sheets

Feeding Schedule:
● Feed 2–3 times daily
● Provide seaweed on a clip for continuous grazing
● Mix different herbivore foods to maintain bright coloration

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
Generally peaceful but may show assertiveness toward other large tangs or similar-shaped fish.

Tank Mates:
● Gobies, wrasses, anthias, blennies
● Other peaceful tangs (in very large tanks)
● Avoid aggressive surgeonfish or predators

Pairing Behavior:
Males are best kept singly unless the aquarium is extremely large (300+ gallons).

Reef Compatibility

Reef-safe and algae-grazing, making them ideal for mixed reef or FOWLR setups. Will not harm corals or inverts.

Acclimation & Care Tips

Initial Acclimation:
● Drip acclimate for 45–60 minutes
● Float bag for 15–20 minutes
● Keep lights dim during introduction

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

Signs of a Healthy Specimen:
● Active swimming and constant grazing
● Clear eyes and smooth fins
● Streamers long, even, and unfrayed
● Strong appetite

Color & Development

Coloration Characteristics:
● Body: Smooth gray-blue with soft tone variation
● Fins: Bright yellow dorsal fin; tail with black-and-white edging
● Face: Orange-red “lipstick” marking around the mouth
● Tail Streamers: Long, trailing extensions unique to mature males

Color Intensity:
● High-quality diet enhances yellow and orange tones
● Bright lighting helps define blue-gray body shades
● Stress may cause fading, especially in the yellow dorsal fin

Size & Growth:
● Juveniles start at 3–5 inches
● Males develop full streamers as they mature (typically 6–8 inches+)
● Can reach 16–18 inches in large aquariums

Special Considerations

Quarantine is Recommended:
Allows monitoring for parasites and ensures strong feeding habits.

Captive-Bred Notes:
Captive-bred males with streamers are extremely rare; most individuals are wild-collected but can thrive with proper care.

Breeding Potential

Captive breeding of Naso tangs (especially streamer males) is extremely rare. They require large open-water spawning spaces similar to wild reef environments.

Why Choose a Quarantined Naso Blonde Tang with Streamer?

A fully quarantined streamer male ensures excellent health, strong feeding responses, and smooth acclimation into large reef systems. The long flowing tail streamers, bold yellow fins, and signature lipstick markings make this fish a breathtaking centerpiece in any advanced aquarium.