|
General information – The Naso tang is a magnificent species that fitting only to large tanks. The body of the Naso Tang is light to dark gray. It has a patch of bright yellow on the forehead with a yellow line below the eye down to behind the mouth. Its lips have beautiful magnetic orange color. The dorsal fin is blue at the base, then black, and then ends with a white band. The anal fin is brownish orange at the base, turning to a brighter orange, with the outer margin trimmed in white. The tail is crossbow shaped border that is pale yellow color on the outside and white inside. Previously there was thought to be a blonde color variation of Naso lituratusin the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, but this Blonde Naso Tang is now classified as Naso elegans. The Red Sea Naso (Blonde Naso Tang) Tang has an orange dorsal fin, while the Pacific tang has black dorsal fins. There are also differences in the numbers of teeth. Common Name - Naso Tang, Clown tang, Striped-faced Unicornfish, Orange spine Unicornfish, Barcheek Unicornfish, Poll Unicornfish, Orange-spine Unicornfish, Pacific orange spine Unicornfish, Striped Unicornfish, and Striped-faced Unicornfish Scientific Name - Naso lituratus Photo by: Reuven Moskovich
Family - Acanthuridae Origin - Western and Central Pacific Size – Up to 46 cm (18 inches) First discovered - Forster, 1801 Nutrition - The Naso Tang is an herbivore fish, in home tank the Naso tang requires varied diet that includes frozen and flake foods for herbivores as well as dried algae. Behavior – semi aggressive. Maintenance and care - An aquarium of at least 135 gallons is recommended as the Naso tang grows to full size (46cm) very quickly. The Naso Tang is a Great reef fish, fares notably better in reef aquariums than in fish only tanks. The Naso tang usually gets along with other fish tank mates and invertebrates. Like all surgeonfish and tangs, the Naso Tang likes a lot of water turbulence. Being very active during the day they need a large tank with plenty of room to swim but will also need rocks and corals to provide some shelter and as a sleeping site. It can be somewhat difficult to get them eating so patience is needed. Water Parameters – Temperature: 22C - 26C; (72F - 78F), PH: 8.1-8.4, dH: 8-12, Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025 Breeding - Observed to form pairs, not yet breed in captivity.
|
