Naso unicornis

(Forsskal, 1775)

Vernacular names
English : Bluespine unicornfish
French : Nason à éperons bleus

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Acanthuriformes (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Acanthuridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Large adults can grow to 70 cm. Forehead is gently sloping with small horn protruding at eye level but not reaching past mouth. Coloration is dull olive overall with darker areas on upper flanks. Caudal peduncle spines are blue.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area from Red Sea and East Africa to south Japan and Lord Howe Island, east to Tuamoto, Hawaii and Marquesas Islands. Lives in channels, lagoons and seaward reefs with strong surge, to 180 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is widespread and common but targeted by fisheries (for food and trade) in many parts of its range. Harvesting levels need monitoring.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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