Sleek unicornfish

Sleek unicornfish (Naso hexacanthus) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in Taiwan, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–150 m. The main season in Taiwan, Malaysia runs all year.

Scientific name: Naso hexacanthus · Water: Saltwater, Brackish · Season: All year

Size: up to 75 cm

About

The sleek unicornfish is an acanthurid that swims near the bottom over clear lagoons and seaward reef slopes, from 0 to 150 m, usually in large schools. It is active by day and feeds on plankton such as crab larvae, arrow worms and pelagic tunicates, and occasionally on filamentous red algae. Its range is the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa, including the Mascarene Islands, to the Hawaiian, Marquesas and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island. Maximum length is about 75 cm fork length, commonly about 50 cm, and it can live about 44 years. It is a commercial and game species, sold at a medium price and also for aquariums. Trophic level is 3.1, fishing vulnerability moderate at 42 of 100, and resilience very low. IUCN lists it as least concern. It is available all year.

Differences by region

Ecology and habitat

Bottom / habitat
Reef
Depth
0–150 m
Distribution status
Native
Trophic level
3.1
Maximum age
44 years

Fishery and market

Game fish
Yes
Market price
Medium
Resilience
Very low

Methods

Sources

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