Vlamings Unicorn Tang - Med
The Vlamings Unicornfish is one of those rare fish that makes every onlooker go 'Wow!'. Not only does it stun you with its impressive size but its colourings are incredibly beautiful as well.
This species has an elongated body with a protruding forehead rather than a horn-like other unicornfish. Adults are normally a greyish brown colour with vertical blue stripes and blue spots on their upper body. It has a blue band running horizontally across its eye and the head is normally an olive green colour.
No sexual differences can be seen between males and females but normally males will be slightly larger. This species of unicornfish has not yet been bred in captivity but spawning has been reported in some public aquariums.
Be careful when handling this fish as they have sharp scalpel-like spines located on each side which can cause damage accidentally.
They are found in the Indo-Pacific region ranging from Southern Japan to East Africa and the Great Barrier Reef over to New Caledonia. They have been spotted down at depths of 50 metres and normally hang around in small schools but have occasionally been seen on their own. They live around reef drop-offs where they can disappear quickly if needed.
Tank Recommendations for Vlamings Unicornfish
The smallest tank size for these huge specimens is 680 litres or more as they can grow up to 24 inches (61 cm) and they will spend most of their time swimming around wide-open spaces. They are not considered reef safe simply for the fact that they may clumsily knock over coral structures when zipping around the tank. They need good strong water movement to help provide well-oxygenated water and will happily live in a well-lit aquarium. You will need to create some crevices for it to sleep in at night using rocks or other decorations.
Suitable Tank Buddies
These fish are one of the more peaceful species of tang and will make great additions to most community aquariums. Don't keep them with others of the same species, but they can be housed with other tangs of different genus as long as they don't look too similar.
Usually Compatible
Both large and dwarf species of Angelfish will get along great with these guys. Boxfish, Clownfish, Damselfish and Eels will also be great tank buddies. Other excellent options include Filefish, Groupers, Parrotfish and Pufferfish. Snappers, Wrasses and Squirrelfish would make wonderful choices too.
Sometime Compatible
Caution should be taken when attempting to house them with species such as Rays and Triggerfish. Batfish and Butterflyfish can also sometimes be problematic. Cardinalfish should be watched carefully too.
Rarely Compatible
As big as the Vlamings Unicornfish can grow, Sharks could still take a bite out of them if they wanted, so avoid them at all costs. Seahorses and Pipefish will probably be extremely frightened in their presence as well so don't attempt to house them in the same tank either.
Feeding your Vlamings Unicornfish
Juveniles are primarily herbivores and gradually start to consume more and more meat as they progress into adulthood. In the wild, they will consume algae until eventually surviving on purely zooplankton and other microorganisms. Start them on vegetable matter and frozen preparations containing algae and spirulina. Nori seaweed can be attached to a rock or the aquarium glass. As they get older offer them larger shrimp and worms. Feed them 3 times a day in smaller amounts which will help to keep the water quality high.