Bluespine Unicornfish (Juvenile) (Naso Unicornis)

Also known as Bluespine Surgeonfish, Bluespine Tang, Bluespine Unicorn, Brown Unicornfish, Doctorfish, Humphead Unicornfish, Lancetfish, Longhorn Unicornfish, Longnose Unicornfish, Long-snouted Unicornfish, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Unicorn Tang

Description

Also known as Bluespine Surgeonfish, Bluespine Tang, Bluespine Unicorn, Brown Unicornfish, Doctorfish, Humphead Unicornfish, Lancetfish, Longhorn Unicornfish, Longnose Unicornfish, Long-snouted Unicornfish, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish, Unicorn Tang.

Found singly or in small schools over strong surge channels of lagoons and seaward reefs rich in sargassum growth.
They feed on leafy brown algae.
Juveniles in shallow protected bays and harbours.
Length - 70cm
Depth - 1-180m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Surgeonfish have a blade like spine in the tail that points outwards when bent, unicorns have two hook-like plates along the tail, these are used for defence and are as sharp as a surgeons scalpel, hence the name "Surgeonfish".
Some species are venomous. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/1265

Related creatures

Heads up! Many creatures change during their life. Juvenile fish become adults and some change shape or their colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. The following creature(s) are known relatives of the Bluespine Unicornfish (Juvenile). Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

Bluespine Unicornfish

Bluespine Unicornfish

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