Vlamingi Tang (Naso Vlamingi)

Also Known As: Vlamingii Tang, Bignose Unicornfish

Compatibility and Behavior
The Vlamingi Tang (Naso vlamingii) is a big-personality, open-water grazer that brings constant motion and real presence to a larger reef. Juveniles and small to medium specimens, roughly 1.5 to 3.5 inches, come through gray-blue to tan with scattered darker blotches and soft blue edging on the fins, giving them a passing resemblance to young Unicorn Tangs, since both share that elongated unicornfish profile and gentle, pelagic look at this stage. The two diverge as they grow, though. Vlamingi develop bolder patterning with larger dark patches, iridescent blue speckling, and a more robust, deep-bodied shape, while Unicorn Tangs stay sleeker and more uniform in color with that more pronounced forehead "horn" in adults. Personality-wise, Vlamingi tend to be peaceful to semi-aggressive (when they grow large) and are often more easygoing toward tankmates than many Acanthurus tangs, particularly in a suitably large system. They're typically considered reef safe, spending most of the day browsing film and macroalgae off rock and hard surfaces rather than nipping corals or ornamental inverts, though an underfed or stressed individual may occasionally get pushy or sample fleshy polyps. In most setups they mix well with other large, non-bullying fish like angels, wrasses, Anthias, and differently shaped tangs when there's ample space, strong flow, and a stocking plan that avoids overcrowding.

Aquarium Requirements
Vlamingi will eventually grow fairly big, but for small to medium-large specimens in the 1.5 to 4 inch range, you can start them in spacious aquariums of at least 100 gallons without immediately needing a massive system. The ideal aquarium is long and high-volume, with a 6+ foot footprint to sustain long-term growth, giving them room to cruise while staying realistic for a dedicated home reefer. Aquascape with broad, open swimming lanes and strong, mature rock structures that create ledges, overhangs, and a few deep caves for shelter, while leaving plenty of open water for continuous movement. Powerful, turbulent flow, excellent oxygenation, and heavy-duty filtration matter here, since these fish have an active metabolism and a substantial waste output. Frequent feedings of nori, macroalgae, and varied herbivore foods will support steady growth, bring along their developing color and pattern, and keep them calm and engaged in natural grazing.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5–2", Smd: 2.5–3", Md: 3–3.5", Mlg: 3.5–4", Lg: 4–5", XLG: 6–7.5", Show: 8–10"
Diet: Primarily herbivorous. Marine algae, nori, macroalgae, and spirulina-based foods, with supplemental frozen mysis shrimp
Origin: Indo-Pacific, including central and western Pacific reef systems
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful 
Minimum Tank Size: Smaller specimens (Sm/Md) can start around 100 gallons