Vlamingi Tang
Vlamingi Tang, Naso vlamingii, is a stunning aquarium addition that requires a large amount space to swim. Growing to over a foot in the home aquarium if provided the space and to nearly two feet in the wild, the Vlamingi Tang displays luminescent blue markings under actinic lighting. Juveniles are gray with shadings of blue. As the adult develops, a few things become more pronounced: the blue spots on the body, blue markings on the fins, streamers on the tail fins, and a trademark forehead bump. This bump has earned this fish’s other common name: Bignose Unicornfish. Though an active swimmer, it does still need a few hiding places within the rock. Fairly peaceful overall, it is aggressive towards its own kind and similar Tangs. The tail spine that gives the Tangs their name is permanently erect on the Vlamingi, so care should always be taken to avoid injury. It requires a vegetable-based diet that should include feedings multiple times daily of seaweed and spirulina. Introduction of the brown macro-algae Ogo may help the eating cycle to begin. It is generally considered a "reef safe" fish, but may bother Large Polyped Stony Corals if underfed.
Approximate Arrival Size for Vlamingi Tang:
Small: 2 to 3 in.; Medium: 3 to 4.5 in.; Large: 5 to 6.5 in.; XLarge: 6.5 to 7.5 in.
Detailed Information about this animal.
