Vlamingi Tang - Naso vlamingi

Vlamingi Tang (Naso vlamingi)

The Vlamingi Tang is a spectacular and imposing marine surgeonfish known for its elongated body, striking blue facial markings and dramatic colour development as it matures. Juveniles are relatively understated, while adults can develop deep blue, grey and olive tones with vivid electric-blue highlights. This species grows exceptionally large and is an extremely active swimmer, making it suitable only for very spacious, mature marine aquariums with strong filtration and experienced care.

Common Name:
Vlamingi Tang, Vlamingi Unicornfish, Bignose Unicornfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Naso vlamingi

Maximum Size:
Approximately 60 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Vlamingi Tang has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution and is associated with coral reefs, outer reef slopes, channels and areas of strong water movement.

Adults typically inhabit open reef environments where they have extensive swimming space, while younger fish may remain closer to reef structure and more sheltered habitats.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Vlamingi Tang is generally less aggressive than many Acanthurus tangs but can become territorial towards other large surgeonfish, especially similarly shaped Naso species.

Its substantial adult size means tankmates should be robust and comfortable sharing a very large open-water environment.

Diet:
Herbivore / Omnivore / Algae Grazer

The Vlamingi Tang naturally feeds on algae and other marine plant material while also taking suspended food from the water column.

In the aquarium, provide regular access to dried nori, marine algae sheets, spirulina-based foods, quality herbivore pellets and marine flakes.

A varied diet can also include frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and other marine foods.

Frequent feeding is particularly important for maintaining healthy body condition in this large, active fish.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 1,500 litres

The Vlamingi Tang can grow to around 60 cm and requires an exceptionally large aquarium with extensive horizontal swimming room.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Vlamingi Tang is a powerful and highly active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time cruising through open water.

Provide large unobstructed swimming areas together with substantial mature rockwork for grazing and shelter.

As the fish matures, its body shape and colouration change considerably. Adults develop a much deeper body, stronger facial profile and increasingly vivid blue markings.

Strong water movement and excellent oxygenation are particularly beneficial for this species.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Vlamingi Tang is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its algae-grazing behaviour can make it useful in very large reef aquariums capable of accommodating its adult size.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species should only be purchased with its enormous adult size and long-term swimming requirements fully considered.

Provide a very large, mature aquarium with powerful biological filtration, excellent oxygenation and substantial open swimming space.

Regular access to marine algae is essential, even where natural grazing is available.

Like other surgeonfish, the Vlamingi Tang possesses sharp defensive spines near the base of the tail. Care should therefore be taken during handling and aquarium maintenance.

Avoid keeping it with highly aggressive tankmates or multiple large Naso tangs unless the aquarium provides exceptional space.

Surgeonfish can be susceptible to external parasites and transport-related stress, so careful acclimation, quarantine and stable water chemistry are strongly recommended.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.