The Fagen´s Unicornfish, Horseface Unicornfish, Blunt Unicornfish, Horseface Unicorn, Horse-face Unicorn (Naso fageni) is a species of fish that is known for its unique appearance and distinctive features. It is a member of the surgeonfish family, characterized by a prominent, blade-like spine located near the tail, much like a surgeon’s scalpel. These spines are used for defense and can inflict a painful wound.
Description & Characteristics
The Naso fageni is a relatively large fish, reaching a maximum size of 80.0 cm in length. Its body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a distinctive horse-like face, hence the common name “Horseface Unicornfish.” The fish’s color can vary, but it typically exhibits a dark brown or gray coloration.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Fagen´s Unicornfish, Horseface Unicornfish, Blunt Unicornfish, Horseface Unicorn, Horse-face Unicorn (Naso fageni) is found in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas. It prefers depths ranging from 3.0 to 35.0 meters, favoring the mesophotic zone – a marine zone that lies between the sunlit reef slope and the deep ocean. This zone is characterized by dim light, lower temperatures, and a diverse array of marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and algae.
Taxonomy
The species Naso fageni belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Acanthuridae. The Teleostei group constitutes the vast majority of bony fishes, making it a remarkably diverse group. The Acanthuriformes order, which includes surgeonfishes, contains a diverse range of fish with unique features, including the distinctive scalpel-like spines. The Acanthuridae family encompasses various surgeonfish species, known for their vibrant colors and distinctive body shapes.
Feeding
There is no reliable information available on the exact diet of the Naso fageni. However, based on its anatomy and feeding habits of related species, it is believed to be a herbivorous fish, primarily feeding on plankton. This suggests that the Fagen´s Unicornfish, Horseface Unicornfish, Blunt Unicornfish, Horseface Unicorn, Horse-face Unicorn plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, contributing to the balance of algae populations in its habitat.
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