Blond Naso Tang

The below profile is on another one of the interesting tangs that I have kept.  I have based this article on what I have learned and observed.

Common Name: Blonde Naso Tang, Elegant Tang, Orange spine surgeonfish, and Pacific Orangespine tang

Scientific Name: Naso elegans

Reef Safe:  Yes

Temperament:  Peaceful to semi-aggressive

Care Level:  Moderate

Max Size:  16 to 18 inches (around 12 inches is more common)

Appearance:

As juveniles, the Blonde Naso tang will be a lighter shade of grey with a yellow strip down their back and a yellow dorsal fin.   Their bodies will become a darker shade of grey as they grow and mature.  Adults will also develop brighter yellow coloring along the dorsal fin, black coloring around the eyes and mouth, yellow coloring around the lips, and a lyre shaped tail.

The below pictures are of the Blond Naso tang that I have kept for a few years now.  He is only around 7 to 8 inches long and is just starting to get his adult coloring around his face.

General Care and Temperament

Blonde Naso tangs can become semi-aggressive with other tangs of a similar: shape, size, and color as compared to their own; and it is highly likely they become aggressive with other Blond Naso tangs in the same aquarium.  This behavior can be fairly common with most tangs.  The Blonde Naso tang, however, is a great fish for a community tank as they will peacefully co-exist with all other types of fish.  They are also completely reef safe.

The Blond Naso tang will do best in a tank size of no less than 180 gallons or more.  Blonde Naso Tangs are more commonly sold as smaller juveniles around 2 inches in size.  Bonde Naso tangs around that size will quickly grow to about 6 to 7 inches in size in about 12 to 18 months before their growth rate will slow down possibly giving you the false impression they have reached their maximum size.  Don’t let this fool you.  Over the years to come, they will continue to grow reaching their typical adult size of around 12 inches (sometimes even a little bigger).

They are a very active fish requiring a lot of open swimming space in the tank as well as a hiding spot or two they can go.   This makes the Blond Naso tang a very entertaining fish to have in a properly sized set-up.

Recommended water conditions / Parameters:

I would refer you to the below article for the typical water conditions that clown fish will do best in:

https://www.reefaquarium.com/2013/the-basics-of-marine-aquarium-water-parameters/

Diet

As with most tangs, the Blond Naso tang will accept almost any food you may offer it.  However, they are herbivores and will require and diet consisting primarily of sea algaes with some other verities of food added in on occasion.  A good quality flake or pellet food meant for marine herbivores is also a food for the Blond Naso tang.

A reference for your consideration

https://www.reefaquarium.com/2013/responsible-fish-keeping/