{"product_id":"blue-unicorn-tang-naso-brevirostris","title":"Blue Unicorn Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Unicorn Tang, \u003cem\u003eNaso brevirostris\u003c\/em\u003e, is an impressive large surgeonfish that undergoes a dramatic transformation as it matures. Juveniles are relatively plain and streamlined, while adults develop a prominent forward-projecting horn along with an elongated, powerful body. Coloration ranges from light gray and olive-gray to deeper gray-brown, often accented with fine dark lines and spotting across the body and head. The pale tail and intricate facial markings add further contrast to mature specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to a broad Indo-Pacific range extending from the Red Sea and East Africa eastward to Hawaii and other central Pacific islands, with populations also occurring around the Galápagos Islands, this species inhabits outer reef slopes, lagoon drop-offs, and other areas with substantial water movement. Juveniles spend more time grazing benthic and filamentous algae, while adults increasingly take advantage of zooplankton in the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 24 inches at maximum adult size, the Blue Unicorn Tang is a commanding saltwater fish intended for exceptionally large marine aquariums. Its active swimming behavior, unusual adult horn, and impressive presence make it an excellent centerpiece for a spacious reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium when its considerable long-term housing requirements can be met.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Expert Only\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 360 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Omnivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: Yes\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-Pacific and Galápagos Islands\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eNaso brevirostris\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Unicorn Tang requires an exceptionally spacious aquarium with long, unobstructed areas for continuous swimming. Rockwork should be concentrated strategically to provide caves, overhangs, and secure resting areas without filling the open water column. Mature live rock also offers useful natural grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, high dissolved oxygen, and efficient filtration are strongly recommended. This species naturally occurs around reef slopes and areas exposed to substantial currents, and adults are powerful swimmers that thrive in clean, well-circulated water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquarium dimensions are particularly important. A long system with generous front-to-back swimming room is preferable to a tall aquarium with equivalent volume but limited horizontal space. Rockwork and coral structures should be stable enough to withstand contact from a large adult fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium cover is recommended, especially during introduction and acclimation when a startled specimen may make sudden movements toward the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe diet of \u003cem\u003eNaso brevirostris\u003c\/em\u003e changes as the fish matures. Juveniles and subadults consume significant amounts of benthic and filamentous algae, while adults also feed heavily on zooplankton. Captive specimens should therefore receive a varied omnivorous diet rather than being maintained exclusively on algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer dried marine algae or nori regularly along with spirulina-based pellets and quality herbivore formulations. Supplement these foods with mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, plankton-based frozen blends, and finely chopped marine seafood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral smaller meals throughout the day are beneficial when practical. Regular feeding is especially important for large specimens because active swimming and substantial adult body size create considerable nutritional demands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Unicorn Tang is generally semi-aggressive but is often less confrontational toward unrelated fish than toward other surgeonfish. Territorial behavior can become more pronounced as the fish grows and establishes itself within the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is generally best maintained as a single specimen. Particular caution should be used when combining it with other \u003cem\u003eNaso\u003c\/em\u003e species or similarly shaped surgeonfish, as competition and territorial disputes may develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn sufficiently large systems, it can coexist successfully with many robust peaceful and semi-aggressive marine fish. Avoid overcrowding and ensure that slower or more timid tankmates receive adequate access to food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Unicorn Tang is considered reef safe and does not normally prey upon healthy corals, clams, ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, or other commonly maintained reef invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural grazing behavior makes mature live rock particularly beneficial, although supplemental feeding should always provide the majority of its nutritional requirements. Large adults are strong swimmers and may accidentally dislodge unsecured corals or lightweight rockwork, so aquascaping should be firmly stabilized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsistent salinity, excellent oxygenation, and stable water quality are more important than attempting to maintain an exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery large adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults can reach approximately 24 inches, making substantial aquarium volume and swimming length essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult horn development:\u003c\/strong\u003e The characteristic unicorn-like projection becomes increasingly pronounced as the fish matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet changes with age:\u003c\/strong\u003e Juveniles rely heavily on algae, while larger adults increasingly consume zooplankton in addition to plant material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurgeonfish compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Exercise caution when mixing this species with other \u003cem\u003eNaso\u003c\/em\u003e tangs or similarly shaped surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaudal blades:\u003c\/strong\u003e Like other unicornfish and tangs, it possesses defensive structures on the caudal peduncle and should be handled carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52442102137130,"sku":"TANGxUniBlueS","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52442102169898,"sku":"TANGxUniBlueSM","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52442102202666,"sku":"TANGxUniBlueM","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52442102235434,"sku":"TANGxUniBlueML","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52442102268202,"sku":"TANGxUniBlueL","price":314.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52442102300970,"sku":"TANGxUniBlueX","price":464.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52442102333738,"sku":"TANGxUniBlueXX","price":624.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW","offer_id":52442102366506,"sku":"TANGxUniBlueSH","price":853.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"JUMBO","offer_id":52442102104362,"sku":"TANGxUniBlueJUM","price":1077.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/SpottedUnicorn_71207784-c05e-490c-8d27-3475b98ed768.png?v=1788203345","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/blue-unicorn-tang-naso-brevirostris","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}