Humpnose Unicornfish
Naso tonganus
Also known as: Bulbnose Unicornfish, Doctorfish, Humphead Unicornfish, Hump-headed Unicornfish, Humpnose Unicorn, Hump-nosed Unicornfish, Lancetfish, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish
- Bulbnose Unicornfish
- Doctorfish
- Humphead Unicornfish
- Hump-headed Unicornfish
- Humpnose Unicorn
- Hump-nosed Unicornfish
- Lancetfish
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
Showing details for the adult stage. Switch stages to see how it differs.
Overview
Found singly, or in small schools over coral reefs.
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.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
Where the adult stage lives, and where its photos were taken.
- Range · Western Indian Ocean
- Exact location · 1
- Country only · 4
Found singly, or in small schools over coral reefs.
Adult photos 5
Discussion
No comments yet. Seen one, or got a question about it? Start the discussion.
Deep dive
More in the family
Surgeonfishes-Tangs-Unicornfishes (Acanthuridae)
Blue Tang
Acanthurus coeruleus
Blue-lipped Bristletooth
Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus
Humpback Unicornfish
Naso brachycentron
Pacific Sailfin Tang
Zebrasoma velifer
Yellowfin Surgeonfish
Acanthurus xanthopterus
Yellowmask Surgeonfish
Acanthurus mata
Bignose Unicornfish
Naso vlamingii
Bluespine Unicornfish
Naso unicornis
Brown Surgeonfish
Acanthurus nigrofuscus
Eyestripe Surgeonfish
Acanthurus dussumieri
Fine-lined Surgeonfish
Acanthurus grammoptilus
Indian Goldring Bristletooth
Ctenochaetus truncatus