Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded unicornfish (Naso annulatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The banded unicornfish is a large surgeonfish from the Indo-Pacific, ranging from East Africa to Hawaii and the Tuamotu Islands. The species grows to about 1 metre and can live 23 years; adults are plain brown to olive with a paler belly, juveniles have white pectoral-fin margins. On each side of the tail base it carries sharp, blade-like bony keels that can inflict deep cuts. It lives in clear lagoons and on reef slopes between about 1 and 60 metres and eats large zooplankton by day and algae at night. Its flesh may carry ciguatera. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded unicornfish?
The Banded unicornfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Sharp knife-shaped bony tail keels that cause cuts; the flesh can contain ciguatera
Where does the Banded unicornfish live?
The Banded unicornfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Banded unicornfish get?
The Banded unicornfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Banded unicornfish dangerous to humans?
The Banded unicornfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Clean and disinfect cuts from the sharp tail keels and check for bleeding; when eaten, watch for ciguatera symptoms (tingling, gastrointestinal complaints) and seek medical help if they appear.
Is the Banded unicornfish edible?
The Banded unicornfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Naso
More from the family Acanthuridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded unicornfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.