Blonde Naso Tang (Naso Elegans)

Key Facts
Also Known As: Gold Naso Tang

Compatibility and Behavior
The Blonde Naso is one of those tangs you buy small and grow into a showpiece, and its colorway is where it earns its name. Over a sleek silver-to-light-gray body sits a bright yellow-gold dorsal fin, a bold yellow mask across the forehead, and those unmistakable orange "lipstick" markings around the mouth. As males mature to XL or Show size, they may trail elongated streamers off the tail, which adds real drama to the fish in a big display. Temperament is the easygoing end of the tang spectrum: generally peaceful, and usually a good fit in community systems alongside other non-aggressive species. It can get territorial toward other tangs, especially ones of similar shape or close relation, though how much of that surfaces depends a lot on tank size and the order you introduce fish. It is reef safe in practice, grazing primarily on algae and typically leaving corals and most inverts alone. Give one enough room and a proper diet and it settles into a personable, active swimmer that spends its day cruising laps and picking at rock surfaces.

Aquarium Requirements
The thing to keep in mind is that these are sold as small juveniles but grow into large, constantly moving fish, so plan ahead. At the size we offer, a tank of at least 80 gallons gives a young specimen the swimming room it needs, but this is a fish to take on only if you can move it into a much larger system down the road. Long, open swimming lanes and excellent water quality become non-negotiable as it matures. Aquascape with sturdy rockwork along the back and sides for grazing while keeping the front and center open for uninterrupted laps. Strong water movement, high oxygenation, and efficient filtration all matter here, since this is an active fish with a hearty appetite. Frequent feedings of algae-based foods like nori, rounded out with some meaty items such as frozen mysis shrimp, will keep both health and coloration where you want them.

Specifications:
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5-2.5", Md: 2.5-3.5", Lg: 3.5-4.5", XL: 4.5-6"
Diet: Herbivore, with a strong preference for various types of algae. Supplemental feeding with high-quality seaweed and mixed meaty foods such as mysis shrimp are crucial as well.
Water Conditions: Prefers a temperature range of 74-78°F, with a pH of 8.1-8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.022-1.025.
Minimum Tank Size: 80 gallons for a small specimen; 100+ gallons for Md onwards
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Moderate
Reef-Safe: Yes
Temperament: Semi-aggressive