Naso tang (Naso lituratus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Blonde naso tang, Orangespine unicornfish, Clown unicornfish, Black-finned unicornfish, Stripefaced unicornfish
Family
Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes, tangs and unicornfishes)
Origin
Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef and Hawaii; coral reefs.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
45 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
1200 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a very large, long tank with strong flow and lots of open swimming space. an estimated minimum of about 1200 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits). Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.023–1.026) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Like other surgeonfish it needs well-oxygenated water with strong flow and stable quality. The article stresses high oxygen, strong currents, companions and abundant algae. Behaviour: often in pairs. Its main defence is the pair of sharp, forward-pointing orange blades at each side of the tail base. Handle only in a container. Identification: males and females differ in size as adults. Trade and status: IUCN: Least Concern. Not CITES-listed. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasolituratus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats algae, digested with the help of gut bacteria. In the aquarium give plenty of brown macroalgae and nori, spirulina-based foods and some meaty foods.

Breeding

Sexes are separate and permanent; near Guam spawning happens all year. Not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Generally reef safe with corals, but it eats macroalgae and some ornamental seaweeds. Usually fine with other community fish if the tank is large enough.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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