Blonde Naso Tang (Naso Elegans)

Key Facts
Also Known As: Gold Naso Tang
Compatibility and Behavior
The Blonde Naso is one of those tangs that grows into a genuine showpiece, and the face is where it earns the nicknames. Over a sleek silver to light gray body, you get a bright yellow dorsal fin, a bold yellow mask across the forehead, and those unmistakable orange "lipstick" markings around the mouth. As males mature, they often develop elongated streamers trailing off the tail, which adds a real sense of drama to the fish in a big display. Behavior-wise, this is a relatively easygoing tang. Blonde Nasos are generally peaceful and tend to do well in community systems alongside other non-aggressive species. They can get territorial toward other tangs, especially ones with a similar shape or close relation, though how much of that shows up depends a lot on tank size and the order you introduce fish. They're considered reef safe, grazing primarily on algae and usually leaving corals and most invertebrates alone. Give one enough room and a proper diet and it settles into a personable, active swimmer that spends its day cruising the tank and picking at rock surfaces.

Aquarium Requirements
Keep in mind 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 you should only take on if you can grow it into a much larger system down the road. Long, open swimming lanes and excellent water quality are non-negotiable as they mature. 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