Naso - Blue Spot

Blue Spot Unicorn Tang (Naso vlamingii)

Overview

The Blue Spot Unicorn Tang (Naso vlamingii) is a striking and elegant surgeonfish notable for its elongated body, prominent tail keel, and vivid blue spots along its sides. Its muted brown to gray body contrasts beautifully with the bright blue markings, making it a sophisticated addition to large marine or reef aquariums.

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including reefs from East Africa to the Pacific, this tang is an active grazer that helps control algae growth on reefs. It is a hardy species but requires ample swimming space, excellent water quality, and a stable environment to thrive in captivity.

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons (680 litres) or larger

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: < 10 ppm

• Aquascape: Provide open swimming areas, moderate water flow, and live rock for grazing and hiding

Due to their large size and active swimming behavior, Blue Spot Unicorn Tangs require a spacious, well-filtered aquarium with stable water parameters to prevent stress and promote long-term health.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily herbivorous, Naso vlamingii thrives on a diet rich in marine algae. A varied feeding regimen supports natural grazing behavior, coloration, and digestive health:

• Dried seaweed (nori) or macroalgae sheets

• Spirulina-based flakes or pellets

• Frozen herbivore blends

• Occasional small protein-rich foods such as mysis or brine shrimp

Feed multiple small portions daily. Providing regular access to algae mimics their natural grazing habits.

Temperament and Compatibility

Blue Spot Unicorn Tangs are generally peaceful but may display territorial behavior toward other tangs in smaller aquariums. They are best kept singly or in very large systems where ample grazing space is available.

Tankmate Recommendations:

• Suitable: Peaceful or semi-aggressive species such as angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, and clownfish

• Avoid: Other tangs in small tanks to reduce territorial disputes

Introducing Naso vlamingii into an established aquarium can help minimize stress and aggression.

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

The Blue Spot Unicorn Tang is reef safe and does not harm corals or sessile invertebrates. Its grazing helps manage algae growth, contributing to a clean and balanced reef environment.

Additional Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 45 cm (18 inches)

• Lifespan: 10 years or more with proper care

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Advanced

• Natural Behavior: Active swimmer, constant grazer, generally peaceful

• Origin: Indo-Pacific reefs, from East Africa to the Pacific

The Blue Spot Unicorn Tang (Naso vlamingii) is a graceful, hardy, and visually striking species suitable for large marine or reef aquariums. With ample swimming space, stable water parameters, and a diet rich in algae, it thrives as a long-lived, active, and captivating member of the aquarium community.