Bignose Unicornfish (Naso vlamingii)

Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameNaso vlamingii

FamilyAcanthuridae

Also known asVlamingii tang

Care levelHard

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietomnivore

Adult size24 in

Minimum tank size200 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-80°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.025

Feeding scheduleFeed 2-3 times daily

Appearance

Naso vlamingii is a large tan to brownish tang with a stocky body and a distinctive prominent bony protrusion (horn or hump) on the forehead. Adults develop a pronounced knob above the snout, which is the source of the common name "Bignose."

Diet and feeding

Zooplankton, small crustaceans, marine algae, seaweed, mollusks (in both wild and aquarium settings)

Difficulty and care for the Bignose Unicornfish

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Common health issues

Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Hole-in-the-Head Disease, Bacterial Infections

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from Indonesia to the Great Barrier Reef and northward to the Philippines and Taiwan.

Log Bignose Unicornfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Bignose Unicornfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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