Bluespine Unicornfish

Naso unicornis

Family : Acanthuridae

FishMarinesurgeonfish

The Bluespine Unicornfish is a large semi-aggressive herbivorous fish, easily recognized by its long frontal horn and blue caudal spines. It requires a very spacious aquarium.

Bluespine Unicornfish — photo 1 sur 4
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Popularity
Advanced marine fish
large tank + demanding parameters
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Indo-Pacific
Récifs coralliens de l'océan Indien et Pacifique tropical.

Description

The body is elongated, gray-blue to olive, with a long frontal horn in adults. The caudal spines are bright blue. The caudal fin is truncated. Juveniles have a short horn. It is an active fish that swims in open water. It can be aggressive towards other surgeonfish. It feeds mainly on algae but also on plankton. In the aquarium, it needs large open spaces.

Habitat

Region :

Coral reefs and lagoons

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH8.18.4
GH812 °dGH
KH812 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.1 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
4/5
Diet
Herbivore
Min. tank
800 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
50 cm
Lifespan
12 years
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Propagation
Not bred in captivity

Care notes

Temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025. A minimum 800-liter aquarium is recommended. Herbivorous diet: algae, nori, spirulina, vegetable and plankton supplements. Avoid keeping it with other Naso or aggressive surgeonfish. A large volume with strong flow and efficient filtration is essential. Nitrates <20 mg/L, phosphates <0.1 mg/L. Good oxygenation is crucial.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References