Product Description
The Naso Tang (Naso lituratus), or Lipstick Tang, is a popular, large, herbivorous surgeonfish known for its distinctive orange lips and growing "horns," needing a large tank (180+ gallons) with abundant algae for food, and generally peaceful but aggressive with other tangs; it's reef-safe but requires high oxygen, plenty of space, and a varied diet including marine-based seaweeds to stay healthy.
Key Characteristics & Care:
Identification: Grey to reddish-brown body (darkens with age), bright orange lips, yellow around eyes, often develops two orange spines near the tail (peduncle) as it matures, giving it a unicorn-like appearance.
Size: Can reach up to 18 inches (46 cm).
Temperament: Generally peaceful with most fish but aggressive towards other tangs and surgeonfish; should be housed with large, peaceful tank mates.
Reef Safe: Yes, it's reef-safe and will graze on nuisance algae, keeping tanks clean.
Habitat: Native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs, needing ample open swimming space and rockwork for hiding.
Aquarium Requirements:
Tank Size: Minimum 180 gallons (6 feet long) is recommended due to its large size and active nature.
Water Quality: Excellent oxygenation is crucial; stable parameters (pH 8.1-8.4, Temp 75-79°F).
Diet: Primarily herbivorous; requires a diet rich in marine algae, nori (seaweed), pellets, and fresh greens to prevent nutritional deficiencies and aggression.
Important Considerations:
Sharp Spines: Has a sharp, scalpel-like spine at the tail base (a "scalpel"), so handle with extreme caution and avoid nets if possible.
Quarantine: Always quarantine new tangs to prevent diseases like Ich (white spot).
