Naso Tang (Naso lituratus) Care Guide

A large, elegant tang with a distinctive horn-like protrusion on the forehead in adults. Features bright orange lips and two fixed 'scalpels' on the tail base.

Overview

Naso lituratus is a species in the family Acanthuridae. A large, elegant tang with a distinctive horn-like protrusion on the forehead in adults. Features bright orange lips and two fixed 'scalpels' on the tail base. Requires an exceptionally large tank due to its active swimming habits and potential 45cm size.

Taxonomy

Family: Acanthuridae
Genus: Naso
Scientific name: Naso lituratus
Other names: Lipstick Tang, Naso Lituratus
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Distributed across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Hawaiian and Pitcairn Islands, on outer reef slopes and channels at depths of 1-90 m. Feeds primarily on leafy brown macroalgae (Sargassum, Dictyota). Males develop greatly elongated upper and lower caudal-fin filaments.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 800 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: strong
Adult size: 30-45 cm
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as herbivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Wrasses, Large Angelfish
Avoid with: Other Naso Tangs, Small Tanks

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced