Vlamingii Tang

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The Naso vlamingii, commonly known as the Vlamingi Tang or Bignose Unicornfish, is a large, colourful, and highly active marine fish admired for its striking appearance and peaceful temperament. Here's a detailed description:

Appearance:

• Coloration: The body is typically bluish-gray with subtle patterns of lighter and darker tones. Adults develop vibrant blue and green highlights along the body, face, and fins, making males incredibly colourful during courtship.
• Size: This is one of the largest tangs, reaching up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length in the wild, though slightly smaller in captivity.
• Distinct Features: It has a pronounced, bulbous snout and a rounded body. While it belongs to the unicornfish family, it has no prominent "horn" on its forehead.
• Fins: The dorsal and anal fins are edged in brilliant blue, and the tail fin becomes lyre-shaped with age.

Habitat:

• Natural Range: Found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and southern Japan.
• Preferred Environment: Inhabits outer reef slopes and lagoons, typically in areas with strong water flow and abundant algae.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A considerable tank, at least 300 gallons or more, is required to accommodate its size and active swimming behaviour.
• Diet: Herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae in the wild. In aquariums, it thrives on a diet of marine algae, spirulina, seaweed sheets, and high-quality herbivore pellets. Occasionally, it will accept meaty foods like mysis shrimp or krill.
• Substrate: A combination of live rock for grazing and open swimming space is ideal.
• Compatibility: It is peaceful and suitable for community tanks with other large, non-aggressive species. If space is sufficient, it generally coexists well with other tangs.
• Reef-Safe: Completely reef-safe, as it does not harm corals or invertebrates.

Behavior:

• Activity Level: Extremely active and always moving, patrolling the tank and grazing on algae.
• Social Behavior: Generally docile and sociable, but males may display mild territoriality, especially during breeding.

Special Notes:

• Growth and Longevity: This species grows very large and requires a long-term commitment to space and resources. With proper care, it can live for many years in captivity.
• Maintenance: Requires pristine water quality, strong water flow, and a stable environment to thrive.

The Naso vlamingii is a magnificent centrepiece fish for experienced aquarists with large marine aquariums. Its size, striking coloration, and peaceful demeanour make it a prized addition for advanced hobbyists who can meet its space and care requirements.

• Care level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Herbivore
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Family: Acanthuridae
• Minimum Tank Size: 360 gallons 

• Size:
  Small 2" to 3"
  Medium: 3" to 4"
  Large: 4" to 5"
  Extra Large: 6"+