Lipstick Tang (Naso lituratus)

The Lipstick Tang, also known as the Orangespine Unicornfish or Naso Tang, is one of the most elegant and "personality-driven" members of the Acanthuridae family. It is famous for its smooth, matte-grey body and the vivid "makeup" around its mouth that gives it its common name. While it doesn't grow the prominent forehead horn seen in some other Naso species, it is a massive, active swimmer that becomes a true "pet" in a large enough system.

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Key Information

• Common Names: Lipstick Tang, Naso Tang, Orangespine Unicornfish

• Scientific Name: Naso lituratus (Note: The Indian Ocean variant is Naso elegans)

• Origin: Pacific Ocean (Hawaii to the Great Barrier Reef)

• Max Size: 45 cm (approx. 18 inches)

• Lifespan: 15–20+ years

• Temperament: Peaceful; one of the gentlest large Tangs

• Diet: Herbivore – Specialist in brown macroalgae (Sargassum)

• Care Level: Moderate (due to size and dietary needs)

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Appearance & Identification

The Lipstick Tang looks like it was designed by a graphic artist:

• The "Lipstick": Features bright orange-to-red lips set against a dark snout.

• The Eyes: Highlighted with a bold yellow "eyeshadow" mask.

• The Body: A sleek, smooth-skinned body in shades of charcoal grey to olive-brown.

• The Caudal Peduncle: Near the tail, it has two fixed, bright orange spines (scalpels) on each side. These are used for defense.

• Streamers: Mature males develop long, elegant streamers (filaments) from the top and bottom of their tail fin.

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Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

• The Gentle Giant: Unlike the aggressive Sohal or Powder Blue Tangs, the Naso is remarkably peaceful. It rarely bothers other fish, though it may be intimidated by smaller, more aggressive tangs.

• Intelligence: They are highly interactive. Many owners report their Naso Tang eating from their hands and "begging" for food when they see someone enter the room.

• Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They are excellent for coral tanks, provided they have the massive space required.

• Tank Mates: Excellent with Large Angelfish, peaceful Wrasses, and Anthias. In a large enough tank, they can live with other Tangs, but ensure they are the "king" of the tank in terms of size.

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Ideal Tank Setup

• Tank Size: This is the most critical factor. A juvenile needs space, but an adult requires a minimum of 475L–680L (125–180 Gallons). A tank length of at least 6 feet is mandatory for their high-speed swimming.

• Swimming Room: Naso Tangs are "open water" swimmers. Your aquascape should have plenty of open lanes in the middle and upper levels of the tank.

• Flow & Oxygen: They thrive in high-flow environments with heavy surface agitation to ensure high oxygen levels.

• Diet (The Brown Algae Factor): While most tangs love green hair algae, Nasos specifically crave brown macroalgae. Provide plenty of dried Nori (Green and Brown) and high-quality herbivore pellets. Soaking their food in Vitamin C and Selcon helps prevent HLLE (Head and Lateral Line Erosion).