Tangs · Acanthuridae

Vlamingii Tang

Naso vlamingii

A rounded snout bump, blue facial band and blue spots and lines distinguish this impressive unicornfish. Adults develop long tail streamers and need a very large aquarium with substantial open swimming space.

Care levelExpert

Very large adult size, active swimming and plankton feeding make this an Expert planning choice rather than a standard algae-control tang.

Recommendation

Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?

360+ galRecommended tank

24 inchesAdult size

Semi-aggressive / territorialTemperament

Generally compatibleCoral safety

+ Why you’ll love them

A rounded snout bump, blue facial band and blue spots and lines distinguish this impressive unicornfish.
Distinctive adult shape and markings in a suitably large display.
Generally compatible with corals when appropriately housed.

! Things to consider

Needs adult-sized housing: plan for 360 US gallons or more with suitable swimming space.
Very large adult size, active swimming and plankton feeding make this an Expert planning choice rather than a standard algae-control tang.
Requires a consistent feeding routine and stable water.
Has sharp tail spines; handle carefully.

Tank and habitat

Recommended volume: 360 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
Full-grown size: 24 inches (maximum adult size)
Tank footprint and swimming space: Use a long, broad aquarium with substantial open swimming lanes and turning room. The listed volume is a starting point; an adult or crowded community may need a larger system.
Tank maturity: 6 months recommended
Use an established, fully cycled aquarium with stable filtration and productive grazing surfaces. Confirm water stability and reliable feeding access before introduction. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential.
Habitat and equipment: Provide good circulation and gas exchange. Arrange secure rockwork for shelter and grazing, keep open water available, and use a secure lid. Take care around the sharp tail spines.

Care and compatibility

Temperament: Semi-aggressive / territorial
Why this care level: Very large adult size, active swimming and plankton feeding make this an Expert planning choice rather than a standard algae-control tang.
Suitable tank mates and conflicts: Many appropriately sized marine community fish may be suitable. Other tangs, especially similar-shaped species, require particular care and substantially more space.
Alone, pair or group: A single tang is the simpler plan. Keeping several requires additional space, individual assessment and a way to separate incompatible fish; wild groups do not establish an aquarium stocking rule.

Corals and invertebrates

Coral safety: Generally compatible
Generally compatible with corals, but observe the individual. Algae grazing should not be mistaken for a guarantee that no picking will occur.
Shrimp safety: Generally compatible
Generally compatible with ornamental shrimp; monitor introductions and individual behavior.
Snail safety: Generally compatible
Generally compatible with snails. Continue observing grazing behavior around small invertebrates.
Clam safety: Generally compatible
Usually compatible, but individual picking is possible. Monitor clam mantles and other sessile invertebrates, especially if feeding is inadequate.

Food and feeding

Diet: Omnivore; life-stage-appropriate plankton foods and marine algae
Feeding plan: Wild adults feed on zooplankton. Offer suitable varied marine plankton-based and other prepared foods, with marine algae as part of a balanced routine; do not rely on algae alone. Offer food consistently and check body condition; natural grazing is a supplement, not a complete feeding plan.
Prepared or live food: Offer appropriately sized marine plankton preparations and a varied diet accepted by the individual, with algae as suitable for its life stage. Ask the seller to demonstrate feeding.

Water conditions

Temperature: 72–78 °F (22–26 °C) is a commonly published aquarium reference range. Maintain stable conditions and consider the needs of the whole community.
Specific gravity: Specific gravity 1.020–1.025 appears in common species-care guidance. Match the needs of corals and other inhabitants, and avoid abrupt changes.
pH: pH 8.1–8.4 is the published marine aquarium reference range used here; maintain stability rather than chasing a single reading.

Long-term care

Lifespan: The linked references do not establish a reliable typical captive lifespan for this profile. Plan for long-term care and maintain a realistic adult housing commitment.
Growth and future planning: Adults may reach about 24 inches. Growth depends on the individual and conditions; juvenile purchase size should not determine the long-term aquarium.

Before you buy

Is this fish right for your tank?: Have adult-sized housing ready and confirm a varied feeding routine; a small juvenile is not a long-term fit for an ordinary reef tank.
Buying checklist: Ask to see the fish eat. Look for a well-filled body, clear eyes, intact fins and normal swimming and breathing. Plan quarantine and confirm the seller’s species identification and feeding routine.

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