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The large Naso Tang stands out due to its long, torpedo-shaped body, streamlining it for swift movement in open waters. Males develop impressive trailing filaments on their tail fins and often display bright orange lips—hence the nickname “Lipstick Tang”. They’re peaceful yet active swimmers, often becoming the centrepiece of a reef tank. Their intelligence also shines through—many hobbyists report that their Naso fish recognise them, even eating from their hand. This sense of interaction makes them a rewarding species for advanced aquarists. However, their large adult size and dietary needs mean they’re best suited to experienced keepers with adequately sized systems.
I’ll never forget the first time I spotted one in my local aquarium shop—its vibrant colours instantly hooked me, sparking my journey into understanding its care needs. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your large nasofish thriving, from tank setup to feeding and health tips.
Choosing Your Large Naso Fish
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Setting Up the Perfect Tank
For a large Naso Tang, tank size is critical. You’ll need at least 180 gallons (around 680 litres) to give them enough room to swim and grow. These fish are fast, active swimmers and require long tanks with open areas, rather than being cramped. Temperature should be kept between 24°C and 26°C, with a salinity of 1.023–1.025. They do best in moderate to high water flow conditions to mimic their natural reef environment and help oxygenate the water. Stable conditions are key, so regular water changes and monitoring are a must. A high-quality protein skimmer, strong mechanical filtration, and plenty of live rock for grazing and shelter will help ensure a stress-free environment.
Feeding Your Large Naso Fish
Naso Tangs are primarily herbivores, with a love for marine algae and seaweed. Offer nori (dried seaweed) using a clip daily, supplemented with high-quality marine pellets, flake food, and fresh vegetables like blanched spinach or broccoli for variety. You can also feed them small amounts of mysis shrimp or brine shrimp, though protein-heavy diets shouldn’t dominate their menu. Feeding 2–3 times a day in small portions is ideal, especially for juveniles still growing. Ensuring a diet rich in marine-based plant material helps prevent issues like head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), a common ailment among tangs lacking proper nutrition.
Health and Maintenance
Naso Tangs, while hardy once established, are susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and velvet if water conditions decline or if they’re exposed to stress. Symptoms include white spots, rapid breathing, and scratching against rocks. To maintain health, keep water parameters stable, feed a balanced diet, and minimise aggression from other fish. A UV steriliser can help reduce parasite outbreaks in larger systems. If illness occurs, quarantine and treat with copper-based medication (for ich) or formalin (for velvet), but never dose in your main reef tank if it contains corals or inverts. Regular observation is your best defence—most problems can be caught early with a bit of attentiveness.
Caring for a large naso fish takes some effort, but the payoff is immense. With the right tank setup, a tasty and varied diet, and a bit of TLC, you’ll have a dazzling centrepiece for your aquarium. Got any questions or your own naso tales? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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