Bluespine unicornfish

The bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis), also known as the short-nose unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific. It is occasionally found in the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 70 cm in length. It is called kala ('thorn') in Hawaii, dawa in New Caledonia, and ta or tā in Fiji. However the name kala refers to all three species of horned unicornfish found around Hawaii.

Habitat

The bluespine unicornfish are a near-shore fish. The juvenile tend to stay close to shore while the adults tend to live from shallow to the beginnings of the deep water staying within the upper 40 feet.

They tend to enjoy spots with waves or strong surges. The bluespine unicornfish live often solitary on coral reefs or can be found in small schools of unicorn fish or as a part of larger schools with many other fish species.

Distribution

The bluespine unicornfish is very common in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, usually occurring at temperatures between 25 and 29 °C (77 and 84 °F).

Behaviour

Bluespine unicornfish are herbivores and feed on brown and red algae with coarse or leafy blades. Because it is one of a small number of species that consumes fleshy macroalgae (seaweed), it is of great importance to coral reef ecosystems.