Vlamingii Tang

Description:

Naso vlamingii, commonly known as the bignose unicornfish, scribbled unicornfish, Vlaming’s unicornfish, or zebra unicornfish, is a large and eye-catching species ideal for advanced marine aquarists with a spacious tropical fish tank. Known for its distinctive elongated snout and bold, scribbled blue markings across its body, this unicornfish adds a dramatic visual presence to any large saltwater setup.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, Naso vlamingii is most often found around coral reefs and lagoons, where it grazes on algae and swims actively through the open water. In the home aquarium, it mimics this behavior and requires plenty of space, open swimming areas, and stable water conditions. This species can grow quite large—up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length—so it should only be kept in tanks of at least 180 gallons, though larger is even better. It’s not suited for nano or beginner tanks.

This unicornfish does best in well-established tropical marine aquariums with plenty of live rock to encourage natural grazing. It is an herbivore by nature, feeding on various types of marine algae, but in captivity, it should be offered a balanced diet of seaweed sheets (like nori), spirulina-based flakes or pellets, and other quality herbivore foods. Supplementing with fresh vegetables and the occasional meaty treat (such as mysis or brine shrimp) can help round out its nutrition and support immune health.

Naso vlamingii is generally peaceful, especially compared to more aggressive tangs, and it usually gets along well with other non-aggressive tank mates. However, it may become territorial toward other large tangs or unicornfish—particularly if space is limited or if tank mates have similar body shapes. It is best kept either singly or in very large systems with compatible species.

In addition to its size and beauty, one of the unique behaviors of the bignose unicornfish is its ability to change color rapidly, often becoming more vibrant during feeding or courtship displays. This makes it not only a stunning centerpiece fish but also a fascinating species to observe.

Because of its space requirements and sensitivity to water quality, this fish is recommended for experienced marine hobbyists who can provide the proper tank size, stable conditions, and a nutrient-rich, algae-based diet. When properly cared for, Naso vlamingii is a hardy, long-lived species that will reward you with its graceful swimming, peaceful personality, and impressive looks.