Elegant Tang - Small
The Elegant Tang is one of the rarer Tang species in the marine trade. They have beautiful colouration and a sleek design. Hardy in nature with a friendly personality, this is a fine addition to any aquarium.
The Elegant Tang has distinguishing features which set it apart from other unicornfish. It has an elongated body and a narrow caudle peduncle. It also differs from other unicornfish as it doesn’t develop a protruding horn. The base body colour is greyish brown, which blends into yellower areas on the belly and above the eye. The yellow colour continues to the dorsal fin that runs along the top of the back. A thin black stripe and a broader white stripe both run directly below the dorsal fin. A more striking yellow line runs from the mouth to the eye, outlining a black snout and orange lips. The narrow caudal peduncle is yellow and white, and the caudal fin is white with black trim. Filaments or streamers are visible on the corners of the causal fin. This is a large species of fish and adults can reach a length of 18 inches (45 centimetres in length).
Sexes can be identified by size. The male is larger with a more obvious caudal peduncle. It also has long filaments or streamers on the caudal fin. During courtship, males will display intense flashes of colour as they try to attract a female. They spawn at the edges of their schools, often during a new or full moon. A male and female will pair off and ascent to the surface where they release their gametes.
The Elegant Tang has a wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific area. Locations include the Red Sea, South Africa, and Indonesia. Their natural habitat is on reef slopes and flats in coastal areas. Usually between depths of 5-90 metres.
Tank Recommendations for the Elegant Tang
The smallest recommended tank size is 180 gallons(681 litres). This is assuming that the Tang has been purchased at the most common size of 5-7 inches. They grow fast, reaching over 14 inches (36cm) in the first 5 years.
If the Elegant Tang’s environment is too small, it can cause behaviour problems and stunt its growth. It is extremely active and requires a large amount of swimming space. A suitable tank should also contain plenty of rockwork for sleeping and shelter.
A tank that is conducive to algae growth will encourage grazing. Strong water movement with a lot of aeration is preferable. This species loves to face into it and let the current rush over its gills.
Suitable Tank Buddies
The Elegant Tang is considered to be semi-aggressive. However, any aggression is usually confined to conspecifics. A tank should be at least 500 gallons (1,893 litres) or larger before housing two Elegant Tangs together.
Usually Compatible
Peaceful fish such as Dartfish, Fairy Wrasse, or Gobies are safe. A variety of semi-aggressive species are also suitable. This includes Angelfish, Wrasses, and Clownfish.
Sometime Compatible
Tangs that aren't part of the same genus are ok. However, they should be a different size and colour to the Elegant Tang. Larger aggressive fish are ok if they are smaller than the Elegant Tang.
Rarely Compatible
Peaceful fish such as Assessors are too shy and will hide. Seahorses and Pipefish are also unsuitable. Avoid conspecifics, aggressive Triggerfish, and Toadfish.
Feeding Your Elegant Tang
Elegant Tangs are herbivores, but they can be fed meaty products as a treat. They need plenty of algae in their diet, as well as spirulina. Both are available in prepared frozen formulas, food flakes, or pellets. They will consume seaweed such as Nori, which can be attached to a clip in the aquarium. Suitable live food includes a variety of fish, worms, and shrimp. You should feed them at least three times per day.
Scientific Name | Naso Elegans |
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Care Level | Moderate |
Common Names | Elegant Tang, Blonde Naso Tang, Orangspine Unicornfish, Elegant Unicornfish, Indian Orangspine Unicorn, Lipstick Surgeonfish, Lipstick Tang, Smoothheaded Unicornfish. |
Diet | Herbivore |
Fish Family | Acanthuridae |
Lifespan (years) | 35 |
Max. Length (cm) | 45 |
Min. Tank Volume (l) | 681 |
Origin | Indo-Pacific; Red Sea, South Africa, and Indonesia |
Reef Safe | Yes |
Sociability | Semi-aggressive |
Venomous | Yes |
Water Conditions | 22.2 – 25.6°C (72 – 78°F), dKH 8-12, pH 8.0-8.5, sg 1.020-1.025 |