{"product_id":"sleek-unicorn-tang-naso-hexacanthus","title":"Sleek Unicorn Tang","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Sleek Unicorn Tang, \u003cem\u003eNaso hexacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e, is a large and distinctive saltwater fish valued for its streamlined profile, subtle coloration, and powerful open-water swimming behavior. Adults range from dark brownish gray to blue-gray, often becoming lighter along the lower body, with yellowish dorsal and anal fins edged in blue. Mature specimens also develop prominent paired caudal plates, while larger individuals characteristically develop a dark to black tongue. Despite its common name, this species does not develop the pronounced forehead horn seen in many other unicornfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative across a vast portion of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa through the central Pacific to Hawaii and French Polynesia, the Sleek Unicorn Tang inhabits clear lagoons and seaward reef slopes. Unlike many tangs that spend most of their time grazing algae from rockwork, \u003cem\u003eNaso hexacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e is primarily a zooplankton feeder and is commonly observed swimming in open water. With an adult size approaching 30 inches and exceptionally active swimming behavior, this marine aquarium fish is best suited to very large reef aquariums and fish-only systems specifically designed for substantial pelagic species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert Only\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 500 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Planktivore \/ Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Hawaii, and central Pacific islands\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eNaso hexacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sleek Unicorn Tang requires an exceptionally large aquarium with extensive uninterrupted swimming space. Adults can approach 30 inches in length and are powerful, continuous swimmers, making aquarium footprint and swimming length especially important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRockwork should provide secure caves and protected resting areas without restricting the majority of the open-water zone. Long swimming lanes should remain available across the length of the aquarium. This species is considerably better suited to expansive displays than densely aquascaped systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent dissolved oxygen levels, and substantial filtration are essential. Large adults have significant feeding and waste-production requirements, so strong biological filtration and dependable nutrient export should be incorporated into the system from the beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium cover is recommended, particularly during acclimation or whenever the fish may become startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many commonly kept tangs, the Sleek Unicorn Tang is primarily a planktivore. In nature, it feeds heavily on zooplankton in the water column, including small crustacean larvae, pelagic tunicates, and other drifting animal matter, while also consuming some algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied captive diet including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, krill, finely chopped marine seafood, quality frozen plankton blends, and high-quality marine pellets. Foods distributed through the water column encourage a more natural feeding response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarine algae, nori, spirulina-based foods, and other vegetable matter should also be offered regularly, particularly to younger specimens that may graze more extensively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMultiple smaller feedings throughout the day are preferable for this active species and better reflect its natural feeding pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sleek Unicorn Tang is generally social in open reef environments but should be considered semi-aggressive in captivity. Territorial behavior is most likely toward other tangs, unicornfish, and similarly sized competitors occupying the same swimming and feeding zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can coexist with appropriately sized angelfish, rabbitfish, larger wrasses, triggerfish of suitable temperament, and many other substantial marine community fish when housed in an adequately sized system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough this species may form large schools in nature, its enormous adult size makes group housing impractical in all but exceptionally large display aquariums. A single specimen is the appropriate choice for most privately maintained systems capable of housing the species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sleek Unicorn Tang is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its feeding behavior is focused primarily on plankton in the water column and supplemental algae rather than healthy coral tissue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt does not normally target corals, clams, ornamental shrimp, snails, or other established reef invertebrates. Its large adult size and powerful swimming behavior, however, make adequate aquarium space particularly important around delicate coral structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecure coral colonies and rockwork carefully so that a large specimen cannot accidentally displace unstable pieces while swimming.\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 achieve an exact number. Excellent oxygenation, consistent salinity, strong filtration, and dependable water quality are particularly important for such a large and active marine fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eNaso hexacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e can approach 30 inches in length and requires an exceptionally large aquarium with extensive swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimarily a planktivore:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species differs from many tangs by feeding heavily on zooplankton, so regular protein-rich planktonic foods are important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo prominent horn:\u003c\/strong\u003e Despite being called a unicorn tang, adults do not develop the large forehead projection characteristic of many other \u003cem\u003eNaso\u003c\/em\u003e species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTang compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Territorial behavior may occur toward other surgeonfish and unicornfish, particularly in systems with limited swimming territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharp caudal plates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mature specimens develop large defensive blades near the base of the tail and should be handled with considerable care during capture or transfer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"T","offer_id":52384321110314,"sku":"TANGxSleekT","price":62.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":52384321175850,"sku":"TANGxSleekS","price":83.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52384321208618,"sku":"TANGxSleekSM","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52384321241386,"sku":"TANGxSleekM","price":143.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52384321274154,"sku":"TANGxSleekML","price":194.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"LG","offer_id":52384321306922,"sku":"TANGxSleekL","price":251.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52384321339690,"sku":"TANGxSleekX","price":368.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52384321372458,"sku":"TANGxSleekXX","price":573.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW","offer_id":52384321405226,"sku":"TANGxSleekSH","price":809.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"JUMBO","offer_id":52384321143082,"sku":"TANGxSleekJUM","price":993.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/SleekUnicorn_769a13b8-93f2-46ac-852c-d0a3ea9b5b38.png?v=1787762695","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/sleek-unicorn-tang-naso-hexacanthus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}