Bluespine unicornfish

The bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis) is a large marine surgeonfish of the family Acanthuridae, native to reefs across the Indo-Pacific. Adults develop a prominent horn-like projection on the forehead and bear two blue, forward-facing bony plates with sharp keels on each side of the tail base. The body is olive to grey-blue, often with a bluish tail margin. It is an active grazer that is generally peaceful but needs a great deal of swimming room and can be territorial in confined spaces. A very large aquarium with strong, oxygen-rich flow, ample live rock, and open swimming space is essential given its adult size. Its diet should be dominated by marine algae and macroalgae such as leafy seaweed, supplemented with occasional meaty foods. Generally reef-safe. Excellent water quality and a spacious system are critical to its long-term health. Captive breeding is not established.