{"product_id":"blonde-naso-tang-female-r-s","title":"Blonde Naso Tang - Female - R.S.","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe female Blonde Naso Tang, \u003cem\u003eNaso elegans\u003c\/em\u003e, is a striking saltwater fish prized for its bold contrast, active swimming behavior, and distinctive surgeonfish profile. Adults develop a dark gray to brown body accented by a bright yellow dorsal fin, blue edging along the fins, a yellowish tail with dark margins, and vivid orange coloration surrounding the paired caudal peduncle spines. Females retain a clean, powerful silhouette without the pronounced trailing caudal filaments typically associated with mature males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Red Sea–origin marine aquarium fish naturally inhabits reef flats, rocky areas, and reef-associated habitats where it spends much of the day grazing benthic algae. Reaching approximately 18 inches in adult size, \u003cem\u003eNaso elegans\u003c\/em\u003e requires a large, open aquarium designed for sustained swimming. Its impressive coloration, generally manageable temperament, and reef-safe feeding behavior make it an outstanding centerpiece for large reef aquariums and fish-only systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Sea\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eNaso elegans\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blonde Naso Tang requires a large aquarium with extensive open swimming space. A 180-gallon or larger system is recommended to accommodate its adult size and highly active cruising behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange live rock to provide caves and protected resting areas while maintaining long, unobstructed swimming lanes. Avoid overly dense aquascaping that restricts movement. Established rockwork also provides valuable surfaces for natural algae grazing throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, and efficient filtration are recommended. Mature specimens are substantial fish with significant feeding requirements, making stable water quality and consistent aquarium maintenance particularly important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium cover is advisable, especially during acclimation or whenever the fish may be startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blonde Naso Tang is primarily herbivorous and naturally feeds on benthic algae. Its captive diet should emphasize marine algae and high-quality vegetable-based foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried marine algae or nori daily, along with spirulina-based foods, quality herbivore pellets, and frozen preparations formulated for marine grazers. A varied selection of red, green, and brown marine algae can help provide nutritional diversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and other meaty foods may be consumed when offered to tankmates, but these should supplement rather than replace an algae-focused diet. Multiple smaller feeding opportunities throughout the day are beneficial for maintaining good body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blonde Naso Tang is generally less territorial than many members of the genus \u003cem\u003eAcanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e, but it should still be considered semi-aggressive. Most territorial behavior is likely to occur around other tangs, particularly other \u003cem\u003eNaso\u003c\/em\u003especies or similarly shaped fish competing for swimming and feeding territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can coexist successfully with many appropriately sized marine fish, including angelfish, rabbitfish, wrasses, clownfish, anthias, and other community species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHousing multiple large tangs requires substantially more aquarium space, abundant feeding opportunities, and carefully planned introductions. Multiple \u003cem\u003eNaso\u003c\/em\u003e species are best reserved for exceptionally large systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blonde Naso Tang is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e and is well suited to appropriately sized reef aquariums. Its natural feeding behavior is focused primarily on algae rather than healthy coral tissue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt does not normally prey on ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, clams, or other common reef invertebrates. Its continual grazing around rockwork can also be beneficial in established reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular supplemental algae feeding remains essential even when natural algae are present in the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable conditions are more important than continually adjusting the aquarium to reach an exact number. Maintain consistent temperature and salinity along with strong oxygenation, efficient filtration, and dependable water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eNaso elegans\u003c\/em\u003e can reach approximately 18 inches and requires considerable long-term swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFemale coloration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Females display the characteristic yellow dorsal fin, orange caudal peduncle markings, and contrasting fin coloration but do not develop the prominent trailing tail filaments seen in mature males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlgae-focused diet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer marine algae regularly to support proper nutrition and natural grazing behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTang compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally manageable with unrelated marine fish but potentially territorial toward other tangs and especially other \u003cem\u003eNaso\u003c\/em\u003e species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharp caudal plates:\u003c\/strong\u003e The paired defensive blades near the base of the tail can cause injury, so care should be taken during capture, transfer, and aquarium maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52382021517610,"sku":"TANGxNasoBlFS","price":179.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52382021550378,"sku":"TANGxNasoBlFSM","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52382021583146,"sku":"TANGxNasoBlFM","price":239.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52382021615914,"sku":"TANGxNasoBlFML","price":359.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52382021648682,"sku":"TANGxNasoBlFL","price":434.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52382021681450,"sku":"TANGxNasoBlFXL","price":539.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52382021714218,"sku":"TANGxNasoBlFXX","price":727.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/BlondeNaso1_32169b84-01c7-47ea-a0d1-29dd49d70cde.png?v=1787753744","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/blonde-naso-tang-female-r-s","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}