Description
Vlamingii Tang (Naso vlamingii)
Overview
The Vlamingii Tang (Naso vlamingii), also known as the Bignose Unicornfish, is a majestic, active, and remarkably personable member of the Acanthuridae family. While they are among the most impressive fish available to the hobbyist, their enormous size requirement makes them a commitment only for those with very large systems.
- Temperament: Generally peaceful with other species, but highly territorial toward other tangs.
- Reef Safe: Yes (generally safe with corals and invertebrates).
- Max Size: Can grow to 60 cm in the wild; usually reaches 40–50 cm in captivity.
- Origin: Indo-Pacific (East Africa to the Marquesas Islands).
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: A absolute minimum of 600–800 litres is required. These fish need massive, long swimming lanes to avoid stress and stunting.
- Lid: A secure, reinforced, and tight-fitting lid is mandatory. They are powerful swimmers and can easily dislodge or jump through flimsy covers.
- Aquascape: They require a balance of open swimming space and large cave structures where they can retreat.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22–26°C
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
Maintenance
- Filtration: Because they grow large and consume significant amounts of food, they produce a heavy bioload. A massive, high-efficiency protein skimmer and consistent, large-volume water changes are non-negotiable.
- Structural Security: Their size and activity can easily topple unsecured rocks. Ensure all rockwork is firmly bonded with aquarium-safe epoxy or cement.
Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Feed 3+ times daily.
- Foods: Primarily herbivorous, but they are opportunistic feeders that appreciate variety.
- Staples: High-quality Nori (dried seaweed) on a clip is essential.
- Variety: Offer high-quality marine pellets, mysis shrimp, chopped squid, and krill to ensure a balanced nutritional profile.
- Grazing: They will consume film algae from the glass and rocks, but this should never be their only food source.
Behavior and Compatibility
- Personality: They are widely considered one of the most “intelligent” and interactive fish in the hobby. They often learn to recognize their owners and will come to the glass during feeding time.
- Compatibility: Generally peaceful toward non-tang species.
- Aggression: They are highly intolerant of other Naso species and often exhibit aggression toward other tangs. It is best to introduce them as the final addition to a well-established system.
- The “Scalpel”: Like all surgeonfish, they have sharp spines at the base of their tail. Handle with extreme caution.
Reproduction
In the wild, they are open-water spawners. Breeding has not been achieved in a home aquarium setting. Their larval stage is complex and long-lasting, making captive propagation currently impossible for private aquarists.
Tips
- Avoid “Stunting”: Never purchase a Vlamingii Tang with the intention of “upgrading later.” They grow very quickly and will suffer severe health issues if confined to a tank that is too small.
- Color Changes: As they mature, they develop a fascinating ability to change their body patterns and coloration based on their mood and social interaction—a sight that makes them a true centerpiece.
- Disease Prevention: Their large size and high-stress threshold make them susceptible to Cryptocaryon (Marine Ich). Always utilize a quarantine process before adding them to your display tank.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
