How fast does a Naso Tang grow?

They experience rapid growth during their first few years, easily adding a few centimetres per year under optimal conditions until they reach their adult size of up to 45 centimetres.

Can I keep a Naso Tang in a 400-litre tank?

While a juvenile might temporarily survive in such an enclosure, they will quickly outgrow a 400-litre tank. A minimum of 950 litres is strictly recommended for long-term health and wellbeing.

Why is my Naso Tang losing its colour?

Fading colours are often a sign of dietary deficiency, particularly a lack of marine algae and vitamins, or poor water quality. Ensure they receive daily feedings of nori and spirulina.

What is the difference between a Naso Tang and a Blonde Naso Tang?

The standard Naso Tang (Naso lituratus) is found in the Pacific Ocean and has a black dorsal fin, whereas the Blonde Naso Tang (Naso elegans) is found in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, featuring a bright yellow or orange dorsal fin.

Are Naso Tangs safe to keep in a reef tank?

Yes, they are entirely reef safe. They are dedicated herbivores that will actively graze on nuisance algae without harming your corals or ornamental invertebrates.

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Naso Tang

Naso lituratus

The Naso Tang is a magnificent, active marine fish celebrated for its striking facial markings and impressive size, requiring a very large aquarium.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 35 – 45 cm
Minimum 950L for an adult: 950 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Herbivore
Water flow: High
Preferred setup: Ample open swimming space with some liverock for grazing

About the Naso Tang

The Naso Tang, frequently referred to as the Lipstick Tang due to its brightly coloured mouth, is a spectacular and highly sought-after species for large marine aquariums. Reaching impressive proportions as an adult, it presents a streamlined, torpedo-like body that is perfectly adapted for continuous, powerful swimming along reef edges. While they are renowned for their striking appearance, which includes vivid orange peduncular spines and bold facial markings, these fish demand significant space and commitment from the aquarist. They are generally considered one of the more peaceful members of the surgeonfish family, making them an excellent display piece for a suitably sized tank.

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Where Naso Tang comes from

Native range

Pacific Ocean, Indo-Pacific

Countries / regions

Japan, Australia, United States, French Polynesia, Fiji

Habitat

Seaward reef slopes and rocky coastlines

Replaced by the closely related Naso elegans (Blonde Naso Tang) in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

Similar species

Blonde Naso Tang
Naso elegans
Vlamingi Tang
Naso vlamingii
Unicorn Tang
Naso unicornis

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful and occupies a different swimming zone, making them entirely compatible.
Great
Emperor Angelfish
Pomacanthus imperator
Large enough to command respect while sharing similar space and flow requirements.
Great
Cleaner Wrasse
Labroides dimidiatus
Provides a natural cleaning service that the tang will actively seek out and appreciate.
Great
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Can be kept together in very large systems, but tangs of different genera may still display territorial aggression.
Compatible with caution
Blonde Naso Tang
Naso elegans
Mixing Naso species usually results in severe aggression and territorial disputes unless the aquarium is exceptionally large.
Not recommended

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