Black Lipstick Naso Tang Naso Lituratus

Description

Black Lipstick Naso Tang Naso Lituratus

The Naso Lipstick Tang, also known as the Black Lipstick Tang or Naso lituratus, is a striking and peaceful reef-safe fish. As juveniles, they have a grey body with white spots, but as they mature, the spots disappear, and the body coloration becomes darker, with a distinctive black mask around the eyes and bright orange “lipstick” on the mouth. These tangs are native to the Indo-Pacific region and are known for their graceful swimming and activity. In the wild, they primarily feed on benthic algae, but in the aquarium, they will readily accept a varied diet of algae-based foods, frozen foods, and pellets. Naso Lipstick Tangs are generally peaceful and compatible with other tangs, as well as most other reef-safe fish, though they may become territorial towards their own species in smaller tanks. They are recommended for experienced aquarists, as they can grow quite large, up to 18 inches in the wild, and require a minimum tank size of 200 gallons with ample swimming space. The ideal water parameters for keeping a Naso Lipstick Tang include a temperature of 72-78°F, pH of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. They are also susceptible to parasites, so it is recommended to quarantine them before adding them to an established reef tank.