Naso Tang (Naso Lituratus)

Also Known As: Orangespine Unicornfish, Naso Surgeonfish, Lipstick Tang

Compatibility and Behavior
The Naso Tang (Naso lituratus) is a graceful open-water swimmer that makes a genuine centerpiece in a larger reef. The elongated, torpedo-shaped body is a soft gray-brown with a lighter belly, dressed up with a dark facial mask, vivid orange lips, and a bold yellow band running along the dorsal area. The caudal peduncle carries paired orange spines, and on XL-Show size specimens, the tail may take on a lyre or streamered shape, giving this fish a refined, almost regal look. Temperament-wise, Naso Tangs are one of the more peaceful Tang species and are often less combative than many Acanthurus tangs, particularly when they've got room to swim and are introduced thoughtfully. They're generally considered reef safe, spending much of the day browsing film and macroalgae off rock and hard surfaces rather than picking at corals or inverts. When cramped or underfed they can get more assertive toward other tangs or similarly shaped fish, so in most cases they do best alongside calm tankmates like clownfish, fairy and flasher wrasses, Anthias, and other easygoing species in a spacious, stable setup.

Aquarium Requirements
Naso Tangs will eventually grow, so they do best in spacious systems with long, open swimming lanes. A tank in the 100-gallon range or larger with a lengthy footprint is the right target for small specimens that will grow bigger. Aquascape with a balance of open water and solid reef structure, giving them mature live rock to graze along with a few secure caves or ledges to rest and settle in at night. Strong, turbulent flow and efficient filtration go a long way toward meeting their oxygen and cleanliness needs. Offer a varied, algae-rich diet with plenty of nori and herbivore foods several times a day, and you'll see it pay off in better color, calmer behavior, and overall robust health.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 2–2.5", Smd: 2.5–3", Md: 3–3.5", Mlg: 3.5–4", Lg: 4–5", XL: 5–6"
Diet: Primarily herbivorous. Marine algae, nori, and spirulina-based foods, with supplemental frozen mysis shrimp
Origin: Indo-Pacific, including Hawaii, Micronesia, and many Pacific reef systems
Care Level: Intermediate
Reef Safe: Generally reef safe; focuses on algae and biofilm rather than coral polyps
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; large Nasos may show dominance toward other tangs in confined spaces
Minimum Tank Size: Smaller specimens (Sm/Smd) can start around 100–125 gallons, but plan to scale up to 180 gallons or more as they grow