Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Vlamingi Tang is a gentle giant native to Indonesia. As juveniles, they have an overall blue-grey colored body covered with blue speckles. With maturation, these speckles along the middle of the body change to a striation-like pattern and the Vlamingi tang’s face will become more pointed and round. The biggest challenge in keeping a Vlamingi tang is its size potential. An adult Vlamingi tang can reach a size of approximately 2′ in the wild, though in home aquaria specimens seem to average around 18″. Nevertheless, this is quite large compared to other tang genera but is a common characeristic within Naso. Only the dedicated aquarist with a proper tank, in terms of size and dimensions, should consider a Vlamingi tang.

Diet Requirements: In the wild tangs are primarily herbivorous. A diet largely consisting of algae-based foods is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, immune function, and reduce aggression. If not, tangs often develop head and lateral line erosion from such deficiencies. Vegetable based flake foods or frozen foods, that may also include spirulina algae, are excellent options. We also recommend offering dried seaweed on a rock or clip three times a week minimum. Vlamingi tangs will consume various other protein-based frozen foods.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 200 gallon aquarium that is 72″ long and 24″ wide is ideal, though a longer and wider tank is encouraged given the size potential of the Vlamingi tang. Smaller/juvenile specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 125 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. This tang enjoys some rock work and crevices to take occasional refuge, but should be provided with ample open swimming and turning space. Typically, Vlamingi tangs do not conflict with other tank-mates and aren’t overly territorial in nature. Additionally, tangs in the genus Naso are often compatible with other tangs, but it is recommended to add a Vlamingi tang before more aggressive tang species (such as those within the genera Zebrasoma and some Acanthurus). Keep in mind that an adult Vlamingi tang will certainly increase the bioload of your aquarium significantly. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 1-1/2″ to 3″; SubAdult Medium: 3″ to 4-3/4″; Large: 5″ to 6-3/4″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.