The Bluespine Unicornfish, Brown Unicornfish, Humphead Unicornfish, Longhorn Unicornfish, Longnose Unicornfish, Long-snouted Unicornfish, Unicorn Tang – Naso unicornis – is a species of fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae. It is a large, striking fish that is easily recognized by its prominent, elongated snout and prominent, backward-facing spine on its tail. This fish is a popular aquarium species, particularly in reef tanks, and is also a valuable part of the natural ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Naso unicornis is a large, elongated fish that can reach a maximum size of 70.0 cm. It is characterized by its distinctive, long, pointed snout, and its distinctive “unicorn” spine, which is a sharp, backward-facing spine located near the base of its tail. The color of this fish can vary greatly depending on its location and age, but they typically have a dark brown or bluish-gray body with a yellow or white stripe that runs along the side of the body. This stripe is often more pronounced in juveniles.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Naso unicornis is a common inhabitant of tropical reefs, often seen in shallow water, particularly around coral reefs. This fish is commonly found in depths ranging from 0.0 to 180.0 meters, and its distribution covers a wide range of marine zones, including coral reefs, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds.
Taxonomy
The species Naso unicornis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Acanthuridae. This family is characterized by having a single, sharp spine located near the base of the tail, which is used as a defense mechanism.
Feeding
The Naso unicornis is a herbivore, feeding primarily on algae and other plant matter. It is an important part of the reef ecosystem, helping to keep algae growth in check. This species utilizes its sharp beak-like mouth to scrape algae from the surface of rocks and coral.
Image References