The Blonde Naso Tang, also known as the Elegant Tang, Blonde Lipstick tang or Orange-spine Unicornfish, due to the pair of spines surrounded by a bright orange area on either side of the caudal peduncle. Featuring an elongated body shape with a narrow caudal peduncle that distinguish this genus from other Acanthurids. Unlike other Unicornfish however, they do not develop a protruding horn and was originally believed that the Naso, Blonde Naso and Streamer versions were all different species, but this is not the case. The streamers indicate that the fish is male.
As a juvenile it is gray with a yellow stripe on both the dorsal and anal fin. When matured the body takes on a darker bluish-gray tone and the juvenile striping is supplemented with additional color. The tail takes on a lyre shape and two yellow patches appear at the peduncle spines near the tail. A thin, black mask forms between the eyes and mouth, with a yellow patch on its forehead, and orange lips.
Naso Tangs make a great addition to a peaceful community aquarium, reef, or fish only system. This fish does best in large aquariums where there is ample swimming space. A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room, places to hide, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping to escape. Like most other Surgeonfish or Tangs, the Blonde Naso Tang likes water with a moderate to heavy flow, creating currents to swim in. It is aggressive towards other tangs, but peaceful with other fish in the tank.
As well, the Blonde Naso Tang, is a favorite among aquarists, because of their vibrant personalities, and their inquisitive nature towards their owners. Over time, they will become very friendly towards their owners, coming to the front glass to meet them and becoming tame enough to accept foods from its keeper's hand.
Naso Tangs in the wild will generally eat marine algae and seaweed exclusively; however, in the aquarium environment they will generally accept a variety of foods. The bulk of their diet should consist of marine algae, seaweed and other forms of vegetable matter in order to properly maintain their immune system and overall health. Proper nutrition will also reduce aggression in Tang species towards their tank mates.
