The Unicorn Tang (Naso unicornis), also known simply as the Unicornfish, is a large, impressive surgeonfish recognized for its smooth blue-green to olive coloration and its signature “horn” that develops as the fish matures. The body features subtle iridescent tones, while the dorsal and anal fins carry a clean blue edging, giving the fish a refined appearance. Near the tail, two bright electric-blue peduncle spots highlight the base of its defensive spines.
The characteristic unicorn horn begins to form once the fish reaches roughly 6 inches, positioned far back on the head and never extending beyond the snout. Unicorn Tangs are powerful swimmers and require substantial open space. Their peduncle spines are permanently erect and should be handled with great care, as they may snag nets or cause injury if mishandled.
Minimum Tank Size: 360+ gallons
Temperament: Aggressive toward its own species; peaceful with other fish
Reef Safe: Yes
Swimming Needs: Extremely high—requires long, unobstructed lanes
Care Level: Moderate
Unicorn Tangs should be kept as a single specimen, as they are highly territorial toward other Unicornfish or closely related species.
Primary Diet: Herbivore
Although they will consume meaty foods with tankmates, their long-term health depends on a marine-based algae diet, including:
Dried seaweed
Macroalgae
Spirulina-rich herbivore pellets
Natural grazing on live rock
Feeding nori or dried seaweed at least 3× weekly helps:
Strengthen immune function
Reduce aggression
Enhance coloration
Support stable growth
Recommended foods: Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad, Ocean Nutrition Nori.
Blue-green to olive body
Blue edging along dorsal & anal fins
Two bright blue peduncle spots
Horn develops at ~6", unique among surgeonfish
Large body size and long, elegant fins
A truly commanding fish that becomes a centerpiece in large reef or fish-only systems.
Large fish-only or mixed-reef systems
Hobbyists wanting a feature tang with unique appearance
Tanks needing an active grazer
Experienced aquarists with 300–400+ gallon setups
The Unicorn Tang (Naso unicornis), also known simply as the Unicornfish, is a large, impressive surgeonfish recognized for its smooth blue-green to olive coloration and its signature “horn” that develops as the fish matures. The body features subtle iridescent tones, while the dorsal and anal fins carry a clean blue edging, giving the fish a refined appearance. Near the tail, two bright electric-blue peduncle spots highlight the base of its defensive spines.
The characteristic unicorn horn begins to form once the fish reaches roughly 6 inches, positioned far back on the head and never extending beyond the snout. Unicorn Tangs are powerful swimmers and require substantial open space. Their peduncle spines are permanently erect and should be handled with great care, as they may snag nets or cause injury if mishandled.
Minimum Tank Size: 360+ gallons
Temperament: Aggressive toward its own species; peaceful with other fish
Reef Safe: Yes
Swimming Needs: Extremely high—requires long, unobstructed lanes
Care Level: Moderate
Unicorn Tangs should be kept as a single specimen, as they are highly territorial toward other Unicornfish or closely related species.
Primary Diet: Herbivore
Although they will consume meaty foods with tankmates, their long-term health depends on a marine-based algae diet, including:
Dried seaweed
Macroalgae
Spirulina-rich herbivore pellets
Natural grazing on live rock
Feeding nori or dried seaweed at least 3× weekly helps:
Strengthen immune function
Reduce aggression
Enhance coloration
Support stable growth
Recommended foods: Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad, Ocean Nutrition Nori.
Blue-green to olive body
Blue edging along dorsal & anal fins
Two bright blue peduncle spots
Horn develops at ~6", unique among surgeonfish
Large body size and long, elegant fins
A truly commanding fish that becomes a centerpiece in large reef or fish-only systems.
Large fish-only or mixed-reef systems
Hobbyists wanting a feature tang with unique appearance
Tanks needing an active grazer
Experienced aquarists with 300–400+ gallon setups
