Naso Tang

Also known as the Orangespine Unicornfish or Naso Surgeonfish.

The Naso Tang is a graceful, long-bodied surgeonfish known for its smooth gray coloration, distinctive orange tail spines, and gentle temperament. Native to deep reef slopes and open-water edges of the Indo-Pacific, this species is a strong, constant swimmer that thrives in large aquariums with excellent swimming space. Highly regarded for its peaceful nature, algae-grazing ability, and elegant appearance, the Naso Tang is ideal for intermediate and advanced hobbyists with large, mature marine systems.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Naso lituratus 
Common Names: Naso Tang, Orangespine Unicornfish, Naso Surgeonfish
Adult Size: 16–18 inches (40–46 cm)
Lifespan: 10–15+ years
Temperament: Peaceful; rarely aggressive except toward similarly shaped tangs
Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe 
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons (220–250 gallons recommended for adults)
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Inhabits deeper reef edges, coral slopes, and open sand channels across the Indo-Pacific. Feeds mainly on marine algae.

Tank Environment:
● Wide, open swimming areas
● Moderate to strong water flow
● Plenty of live rock for supplemental grazing
● Mature aquariums recommended (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-capacity protein skimmer
● Strong biological & mechanical filtration
● Stable lighting (reef-compatible)
● Weekly 10–15% water changes

Diet & Feeding

Naso Tangs are primarily herbivores with constant grazing behavior.

Recommended Foods:
● Nori sheets (daily feeding recommended)
● Spirulina and algae-based pellets
● Marine seaweed blends
● Frozen herbivore mixes
● Enriched spirulina sheets

Feeding Schedule:
● Feed 2–3 times daily
● Offer seaweed on clips for steady grazing
● Rotate foods to maintain color and digestion

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
Very peaceful, making it suitable for most community reef setups. May become mildly territorial toward other Naso or similarly shaped species.

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

Pairing Behavior:
Best kept singly unless housed in very large systems (300+ gallons).

Reef Compatibility

Completely reef-safe. Will not harm corals or invertebrates and helps reduce algae growth.

Acclimation & Care Tips

Initial Acclimation:
● Drip acclimate for 45–60 minutes
● Float bag 15–20 minutes for temperature matching
● Dim lights during introduction

Health Considerations:
● Sensitive to ich, velvet, and stress-related diseases
● 2–3 week quarantine strongly recommended

Signs of a Healthy Specimen:
● Smooth body and fins
● Bright orange spine coloration
● Active swimming and grazing
● Strong appetite

Color & Development

Coloration Characteristics:
● Body: Smooth gray to charcoal with slight bluish hues
● Fins: Pale gray to smoky black with clean edges
● Spines: Bright orange or red-orange tail spines
● Face: Subtle darker shading around the mouth and gill plates

Color Intensity:
● High-quality herbivore diet strengthens gray-blue tones
● Good lighting sharpens contrast in spines and fins
● Stress or poor water quality can dull the body color

Size & Growth:
● Juveniles begin at 3–5 inches
● Reach 16–18 inches in adulthood
● Fast swimmers that require space to grow properly

Special Considerations

Quarantine is Recommended:
Helps monitor feeding, disease resistance, and behavior before entering the display tank.

Captive-Bred Notes:
Captive-bred Naso variants are rare; most are wild-collected but adapt well with proper diet and space.

Breeding Potential

Captive breeding of Naso Tangs is extremely rare. They spawn in open water, typically requiring very large environments mimicking ocean conditions.

Why Choose a Quarantined Naso Tang?

A quarantined Naso Tang ensures a strong eater, parasite-free introduction, and smoother acclimation to your aquarium. Its calm personality, graceful swimming, and iconic orange spines make it a standout addition to large reef or FOWLR systems.