About the Naso Tang
Species Type: Saltwater Fish
Category: Tangs & Rabbitfish
Care Level: Moderate. Healthy specimens are frequently available for purchase, but stress in shipping does sometimes occur. Will accept dried foods after settling in, but frozen foods or algae grazing sheets may be required initially. After proper quarantine and acclimation to the display, this fish is generally resistant to disease. An overall good choice for the new saltwater hobbyist.
Origin: Hawaii, Indo pacific.
Compatibility/Temperament: The Naso Tang is generally reef safe, and does well in most mixed community settings. It is not an overly aggressive Tang, but due to its size it mixes well with more aggressive species. It is best to avoid other Tangs of the Naso genus in the same aquarium.
Description
An attractive reef safe fish that often makes a great display specimen for larger reef aquariums with plenty of open swimming space. The Naso Tang is often considered a "pet fish", showing signs of intelligence and recognizing the fishkeeper.
There are two color morphs available, with the "blond" version having a beautiful yellow dorsal fin.
Naso Tang Diet
Feed a diet rich in vegetable matter including frozen herbivore foods, dried seaweed, or live macro algae. Frequent feedings are necessary, as this fish grazes constantly. Dried seaweed or algae sheets should be provided daily.
Size
The Naso Tang, also known as the Lipstick Tang, can reach 18'' in length. They are a very fast growing species and sufficient space should be given to allow them to reach adult size in your aquarium.
Minimum Tank Suggestion
180 gallons
Ideal water parameters for Naso Tang
Marine fish are highly sensitive animals with very specific care requirements. Most all saltwater species will require similar water conditions, designed to replicate that of natural seawater. Ammonia and nitrite levels should absolute zero, temperature at 76F to 80F, and salinity at 1.024 to 1.026. Although some fish are tolerant of lower levels of Nitrate, the goal in every aquariums should be to keep Nitrate as close to zero as possible, and certainly under 20ppm. Finally, maintaining a stable pH of 8.0 to 8.4 is desired. Achieving this is made easier by monitoring alkalinity, which should be kept at 8-12 DKH, and calcium, which is targeted at 400 to 460ppm.
