Naso elegans
| Identification | Elongated oval body; olive-gray to brown with orange-edged black caudal spines. Adults develop a facial “mask” and long tail filaments. Blonder coloration than the Pacific Naso Tang. |
| Maximum Length | 18 inches (45 cm) |
| Origin | Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf |
| Minimum Tank Size | 180 gallons |
| Reef Compatibility | Yes — reef safe; will not bother corals or inverts |
Behavior
A bold, active open-water swimmer that does best in large aquariums with plenty of horizontal swimming room. Generally peaceful toward non-similar species but can be aggressive toward other Naso tangs. Best kept singly unless a mated pair is introduced simultaneously in a very large system. Prone to ich and other parasites; a healthy diet and stable water quality reduce susceptibility.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily herbivorous. Offer dried seaweed (nori) on a clip daily, plus herbivore pellets or flakes rich in algae and spirulina. Will graze on natural algae growth. Supplement occasionally with vitamin-enriched meaty foods such as mysis shrimp to maintain color and health.