Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackspine unicornfish (Naso minor) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Guam, Indonesia, Mozambique, North. Marianas and others
Description
The Blackspine unicornfish is a unicornfish (Acanthuridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a blue-grey, elongate body. It has a blue-grey body with conspicuously black keel-blades and eats mainly zooplankton. On each side of the tail base sits one or two sharp, fixed bony keel-blades that can inflict a cut; handle with care. It eats algae or zooplankton.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackspine unicornfish?
The Blackspine unicornfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Blackspine unicornfish live?
The Blackspine unicornfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Guam, Indonesia, Mozambique, North. Marianas and others
How big does the Blackspine unicornfish get?
The Blackspine unicornfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Blackspine unicornfish dangerous to humans?
The Blackspine unicornfish can cause injury; handle it with care. Never grab a live unicornfish by the tail; sharp, fixed bony keel-blades sit on each side of the tail base. For a cut: rinse with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Deep wounds easily become infected: have them assessed medically and check tetanus status.
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
Want the complete picture on the Blackspine unicornfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackspine unicornfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.