Naso lituratus (Naso Tang)

Description:
The Naso lituratus, commonly known as the Naso Tang or Lipstick Tang, is a large, beautiful fish native to the Indo-Pacific region. It has a distinctive appearance, characterized by its elongated, pointed snout and a striking, sail-like dorsal fin. The body is a vibrant mix of blue and yellow, with the tail fin being yellow in adults and the body itself having a pale to dark blue coloration. Males often display a prominent fleshy "horn" or "nose" that grows longer as they mature.
Naso Tangs are peaceful and active swimmers, often seen gracefully gliding through the water, and they are popular for their unique appearance and calm demeanor.
Care:
Tank Size:
Naso Tangs are large fish, growing up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length, so they require a very large tank—minimum of 100 gallons. Ideally, 150 gallons or more is recommended for them to thrive, as they are active swimmers and need plenty of space.
Water Conditions:
Naso Tangs prefer clean, stable water with high oxygen levels. Recommended parameters:
Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
pH: 8.1-8.4
Ammonia, Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Less than 10 ppm
Diet:
Naso Tangs are primarily herbivores and should be fed a vegetable-based diet. They enjoy grazing on algae, so it’s important to provide ample live rock or macroalgae in the tank for them to graze on. Supplement their diet with high-quality marine algae sheets (nori), and occasionally provide other herbivore food like spirulina, mysis shrimp, or finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and algae-based pellets.
Tank Setup:
They prefer rocky environments with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. A sandy substrate is ideal, as they like to forage on the substrate for small particles and algae. Ensure the tank has good water flow to mimic their natural reef environment.
Social Behavior:
Naso Tangs are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish, particularly those of similar size. However, they can be territorial toward other tangs or similar-looking species, especially if the tank space is limited. If you plan to keep multiple tangs, ensure the tank is large enough and provide enough hiding spots to reduce aggression.
Companions:
They do well with other peaceful reef fish such as clownfish, wrasses, and gobies. Avoid housing them with aggressive species or other tangs of similar body shape and size unless the tank is very large.
Maintenance:
Regular water changes (10-20% every two weeks) and good filtration are essential for maintaining the water quality. Naso Tangs are sensitive to poor water conditions, so be diligent about monitoring parameters.
Additional Considerations:
Growth and Space:
As one of the larger tang species, it’s crucial to ensure your tank has enough space to accommodate the Naso Tang’s growth and active swimming habits. A cramped space can lead to stress and health problems.
Potential for Horn Growth:
The fleshy "horn" on the male’s snout becomes more prominent with age, especially during breeding seasons. This feature is a key characteristic for males.