The Blonde Naso Tang (Naso elegans) is a large, reef-safe surgeonfish with a golden-yellow dorsal fin, a slate-grey body and bright orange accents near the tail. Also known as the Elegant Unicornfish, it makes an eye-catching centrepiece as it cruises through the open water of a spacious reef aquarium. Mature males can develop long tail streamers.
Blonde Naso Tangs are active swimmers and can reach around 45 cm, so they need a large, established marine aquarium with long, open swimming lanes. Mature live rock provides surfaces to graze, while good circulation helps keep the water well oxygenated.
Quick care guide
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Adult size — Around 45 cm
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Recommended aquarium — Around 680 L or larger, with a long footprint and ample open swimming room
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Care level — Intermediate, with substantial space requirements
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Temperament — Generally calm with unrelated fish, but can be territorial towards other tangs
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Reef compatibility — Generally reef safe
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Diet — Marine seaweed, spirulina-based foods and algae-rich marine pellets, with suitable frozen marine foods for variety
Simply Fish recommendation
Choose a Blonde Naso Tang based on the room you can give it as an adult. We recommend leaving a clear swimming lane along the front of the tank and offering marine nori regularly on a feeding clip. If you already keep a Naso or another large tang, tell us your tank dimensions and what’s in it so we can help you assess the fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blonde Naso Tang reef safe?
Yes, it’s generally considered reef safe and can be kept in aquariums with live corals.
What should I feed a Blonde Naso Tang?
Make marine seaweed and algae-based foods a regular part of its diet. Offer nori on a clip and rotate it with spirulina-based foods and quality marine pellets.
Can I keep it with other tangs?
It can work in a large, carefully stocked aquarium. Use particular care with other Naso tangs, as similarly shaped fish are more likely to compete for space.
Will every Blonde Naso Tang develop tail streamers?
Long tail streamers are a feature of mature males. Their appearance can change as the fish grows.
