Spotted Unicorn Tang

Naso brevirostris

Curator's Note Care should be taken when handling this fish as it’s caudal peduncle is a very sharp non-retractable razor that can inflict a deep and painful cut to the unsuspecting aquarist. The caudal peduncle and horn easily gets tangled in nets so care should be taken to not damage the fish when transferring it with a net.

Other Common Names Bluespine Unicornfish
Description The Unicorn Tang is best known for the long appendage that grows from it’s forehead. Normally non-aggressive toward tankmates, with the exception of other Unicorn Tangs, this fish is one of the largest of the Tangs and needs an especially large aquarium. The horn usually begins to show up when the fish reaches about 6 – 9 inches. Unicorn Tangs will spend their day picking at rockwork and occasionally sand in search for hair algae to eat.
Diet In the wild, Tangs spend their entire day swimming around on the reef in search of marine algae and meaty bits of food they can find. It is recommended to feed dried marine algae (Nori), Spirulina Flakes, and frozen mysis shrimp.

Tangs quite easily adjust to captive diets and will eventually eat flake and pellet foods as well. It is recommended to soak flake food in some type of vitamin supplement like Selcon or a garlic supplement in order to help the fish fight off any possible parasite infestation and offer balanced nutrition.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1 1/2" to 2 1/2”; Medium 3" - 4"; Large: 5" to 6", X-Large 7" to 8"