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Spotted unicornfish (Naso maculatus) — Acanthuridae

Spotted unicornfish

Naso maculatus
Family: Acanthuridae

The Spotted unicornfish (Naso maculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 60 cm.

Length
60 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
43.0–220.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The Spotted unicornfish is a unicornfish (Acanthuridae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a greyish, elongate body. The grey body bears a fine, scribbled dark pattern. 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 Spotted unicornfish?

The Spotted unicornfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Spotted unicornfish live?

The Spotted unicornfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Spotted unicornfish get?

The Spotted unicornfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.

Is the Spotted unicornfish dangerous to humans?

The Spotted unicornfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gevlekte eenhoornvis sourced
English name
Spotted unicornfish sourced
Scientific name
Naso maculatus
Family
Acanthuridae
Other names
Spotted unicornfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
43.0 verified
Max depth (m)
220.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Naso

More from the family Acanthuridae

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