Lituratus Lipstick Tang

Description

Lituratus Lipstick Tangs, Naso lituratus, also go by the name Orangespine Unicornfish.

These Unicornfish are a type of ray finned fish that belong to the Acanthuridae family. This family also includes Sawtails and Surgeonfish. The defining characteristic for the Acanthuridae family, is the presence of scalpels or spines on both sides of the caudal peduncle. These are used for defence and are usually brightly coloured to act as a deterrent. As their alternate name suggests Lituratus Lipstick Tangs have bright orange spines.

Lituratus Lipstick Tangs also belong to the subfamily Nasinae. This group is made up exclusively of members of the genus Naso. These fish are own up to two forward hooked spines on each side of their caudal peduncle. The number depends on the age of the fish. Sawtails also develop their keels with age. As the name might hint, they can have up to seven. The Weapons’ of these two groups are fixed in positions. Only members of the Acanthurinae Subfamily own retractable spines. These Tangs own a single pair that they erect by curving their tail.

Lituratus Lipstick Tang, Naso lituratus, Ecology:

These fish live in the Indo Pacific Ocean. Ranging around: Australia, New Caledonia, Japan, and the Clipperton, Pitcairn and Hawaiian Islands. Adult fish keep to small groups in Lagoons or on seaward reefs, over coral or rubble. Juveniles prefer shallow rocky areas and can live in mixed groups.

On the reef, Lituratus Lipstick Tangs graze on leafy brown algae. Like many Tangs, these fish can be helpful for controlling algae growth. Left unchecked, algae could outcompete slower growing coral species for space and light. Their help can be more pronounced on shallower reefs that capture more sunlight.

Orangespine Unicornfish In the Aquarium:

It is important to have plenty of nooks or crannies in order to imitate the natural environment. This will help your Lituratus Lipstick Tang establish its own territory. Aquaroche and Aquaroche shelves can be helpful for this. Hobbyists should also think about using a jump guard to stop any loses.

Lituratus Lipstick Tangs do best when fed a varied diet. Here they are eating a good quality pellet and flake food, such as Jbl Maris. Our Tangs are also offered ocean nutrition seaweed, that can be secured to the side of the tank with clips.

They will happily eat enriched frozen: mysis shrimp and brine shrimp and krill, in the case of the larger fish. We enrich all our frozen food with seachem garlic guard and Atvitol vitamins. These are imperative for keeping fish healthy by providing them with the nutrition otherwise lost in frozen food. In doing so, these additives support their immune systems and increase longevity. The garlic is also useful for helping to ward off white spot. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about feeding your Lituratus Lipstick Tang.

In addition, Tangs will also eat live foods, such as copepods and amphipods, that can be cultivated in attached refugium. Our Tangs are adapted to aquarium life before being offered for sale. So they are eating dry food and/or frozen food when they leave us.

Tangs can live alone or in groups. If considering the latter, feel free to give us a call to discuss further. Hobbyists can keep multiple tangs together, although we encourage you seek advice if you are unsure or have questions.

The Fish pictured here are representative only and the livestock you receive may vary in pattern, coloration, and shape.