Naso Tang (Blonde)

The Blonde Naso Tang is a stunning variant of the Naso genus, endemic to the Indian Ocean and frequently considered the more elegant counterpart to the widespread Naso lituratus. Adults display a gray-brown body with a distinctive blonde or yellowish hue, particularly pronounced on the forehead and dorsal region. Its most recognizable feature is its vivid orange-red lips, which give it a striking facial appearance. Like other Naso species, mature males develop elongated tail streamers and two fixed keeled plates on each side of the caudal peduncle, lending the species a distinguished and impressive profile.

In the wild, the Blonde Naso Tang is found across the Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea and East African coast through the Maldives and Sri Lanka. It inhabits steep outer reef slopes and current-swept channels, often forming small groups or pairs that patrol large territories. This species was long considered a regional color variant of Naso lituratus before being recognized as a distinct species (Naso elegans). The key difference lies in the consistently blonde forehead and subtly different tail coloration compared to the darker-headed N. lituratus.

Due to its impressive potential adult size of up to 18 inches and its need for vigorous open-water swimming, the Blonde Naso Tang requires a very large aquarium of at least 200 gallons, with 250 gallons or more being preferable. Despite its size, this species is surprisingly personable and develops strong bonds with its keeper. It is a dedicated herbivore with a particular fondness for brown macroalgae and dried nori. Completely reef-safe and generally well-mannered toward dissimilar species, the Blonde Naso is an excellent centerpiece fish for large reef systems.