Slender Unicornfish
Naso lopezi
Also known as: Bluespot Naso Tang, Bluespot Tang, Bluespot Unicornfish, Doctorfish, Elongate Unicornfish, Lancetfish, Lopez's Unicornfish, Slender Unicorn, Thorntail, Thorntail Fish
- Bluespot Naso Tang
- Bluespot Tang
- Bluespot Unicornfish
- Doctorfish
- Elongate Unicornfish
- Lancetfish
- Lopez's Unicornfish
- Slender Unicorn
- Thorntail
- Thorntail Fish
Overview
Found in large schools in areas with strong current over steep outer reef drop-offs of coastal reefs.
Sometimes display a white patch around pectoral fin.
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
- Pattern
- spotswhite patch
- Behaviour
- schooling
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Pacific
- Country only · 2
Found in large schools in areas with strong current over steep outer reef drop-offs of coastal reefs.
Adult photos 2
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

Lined Surgeonfish
Acanthurus lineatus

Ocean Surgeonfish
Acanthurus tractus

Yellowmask Surgeonfish
Acanthurus mata

Achilles Tang
Acanthurus achilles
7 photos

Bignose Unicornfish
Naso vlamingii

Black Surgeonfish
Acanthurus gahhm
5 photos

Blue Unicorn
Naso caeruleacauda
1 photo

Blue-lined Surgeonfish
Acanthurus nigroris
1 photo

Blue-lipped Bristletooth
Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus

Bluespine Unicornfish
Naso unicornis

Brown Surgeonfish
Acanthurus nigrofuscus