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Unicorn Fish

Fish · Least Concern

Unicorn Fish

Naso unicornis

About

The bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis), also known as the short-nose unicornfish, is a marine ray-finned fish in the family Acanthuridae, which takes in the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. Native to the Indo-Pacific, it reaches about 70 cm in length and shows up occasionally in the aquarium trade. It carries various local names, including kala in Hawaii, dawa in New Caledonia and ta in Fiji, though the Hawaiian term kala covers all three local horned unicornfish species.

Family
Acanthuridae
Avg size
50-70 cm
Habitat
The bluespine unicornfish is a near-shore species. Juveniles tend to keep close to the coast, while adults range from the shallows out toward deeper water, generally staying within the upper 40 feet. They favour areas with waves or strong surge. They may live alone on coral reefs, gather in small schools of their own kind, or join larger mixed-species aggregations.
Behaviour
Bluespine unicornfish are herbivores, grazing on brown and red algae with tough or leafy fronds. As one of the few fish that eat fleshy macroalgae, or seaweed, it plays an important role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems.

Where & when

Where & When to See It

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