The Naso Blonde Tang (Naso elegans), also known as the Orange-Spine Unicornfish, is a graceful and highly sought-after species prized for its elegant shape, striking coloration, and calm demeanor compared to many other tangs. This species undergoes a dramatic transformation as it matures, making it a fascinating and rewarding addition to large marine aquariums.
Juvenile Blonde Naso Tangs typically display:
A soft gray body
Yellow stripes along the dorsal and anal fins
A clean, smooth facial profile and simple markings
As the fish matures, coloration deepens and becomes significantly more vibrant:
Body becomes a darker gray to blue-gray
Juvenile striping becomes more pronounced with stronger color contrast
Tail develops a signature lyre (forked) shape
Two bright yellow patches appear on the peduncle spines near the tail
A thin black facial mask forms between the eyes and snout
Lips turn distinct yellow
Hawaiian locality variants are known for even brighter and more vivid pigmentation
This elegant species is one of the most beautiful in the Naso genus, especially when fully mature.
The Blonde Naso Tang is generally peaceful toward most tankmates but can become aggressive toward other tangs, especially other Naso species or similarly shaped surgeonfish.
Recommended tank size: 180 gallons or larger, with:
Strong swimming lanes
Rockwork for security and grazing
A secure lid (Naso Tangs are known jumpers)
They thrive in large reef systems where they have ample room to swim.
Although Blonde Naso Tangs will accept meaty foods, long-term health depends on a marine-algae–rich herbivore diet.
Dried seaweed (nori) on a rock or veggie clip
Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad, Ocean Nutrition algae products
Spirulina and herbivore pellets
Offer algae-based foods at least three times per week to:
Support immunity
Reduce aggression
Enhance coloration
Promote long-term vitality
Supplement with occasional meaty foods for variety (mysis, enriched brine, etc.).
The Blonde Naso Tang is:
Hardy once acclimated
Best for intermediate to advanced marine aquarists
Sensitive to poor water quality, so strong filtration is essential
A gentle giant, peaceful but requiring a very large tank to thrive
Their large adult size and swimming needs make space the most critical factor for long-term success.
Large reef aquariums (180+ gallons)
Marine hobbyists seeking an elegant, active show fish
Peaceful community reefs without other Naso species
Aquarists wanting a hardy but impressive, iconic tang
The Naso Blonde Tang (Naso elegans), also known as the Orange-Spine Unicornfish, is a graceful and highly sought-after species prized for its elegant shape, striking coloration, and calm demeanor compared to many other tangs. This species undergoes a dramatic transformation as it matures, making it a fascinating and rewarding addition to large marine aquariums.
Juvenile Blonde Naso Tangs typically display:
A soft gray body
Yellow stripes along the dorsal and anal fins
A clean, smooth facial profile and simple markings
As the fish matures, coloration deepens and becomes significantly more vibrant:
Body becomes a darker gray to blue-gray
Juvenile striping becomes more pronounced with stronger color contrast
Tail develops a signature lyre (forked) shape
Two bright yellow patches appear on the peduncle spines near the tail
A thin black facial mask forms between the eyes and snout
Lips turn distinct yellow
Hawaiian locality variants are known for even brighter and more vivid pigmentation
This elegant species is one of the most beautiful in the Naso genus, especially when fully mature.
The Blonde Naso Tang is generally peaceful toward most tankmates but can become aggressive toward other tangs, especially other Naso species or similarly shaped surgeonfish.
Recommended tank size: 180 gallons or larger, with:
Strong swimming lanes
Rockwork for security and grazing
A secure lid (Naso Tangs are known jumpers)
They thrive in large reef systems where they have ample room to swim.
Although Blonde Naso Tangs will accept meaty foods, long-term health depends on a marine-algae–rich herbivore diet.
Dried seaweed (nori) on a rock or veggie clip
Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad, Ocean Nutrition algae products
Spirulina and herbivore pellets
Offer algae-based foods at least three times per week to:
Support immunity
Reduce aggression
Enhance coloration
Promote long-term vitality
Supplement with occasional meaty foods for variety (mysis, enriched brine, etc.).
The Blonde Naso Tang is:
Hardy once acclimated
Best for intermediate to advanced marine aquarists
Sensitive to poor water quality, so strong filtration is essential
A gentle giant, peaceful but requiring a very large tank to thrive
Their large adult size and swimming needs make space the most critical factor for long-term success.
Large reef aquariums (180+ gallons)
Marine hobbyists seeking an elegant, active show fish
Peaceful community reefs without other Naso species
Aquarists wanting a hardy but impressive, iconic tang
