Fin's Fish Guide
The Slender unicornfish (Naso lopezi) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 60 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Malaysia and others
Description
The Slender unicornfish is a unicornfish (Acanthuridae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a blue-grey, elongate body. It has a slender, blue-grey body without a horn and hovers in schools above steep reef slopes to eat plankton. 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 Slender unicornfish?
The Slender 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 Slender unicornfish live?
The Slender unicornfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Malaysia and others
How big does the Slender unicornfish get?
The Slender unicornfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Slender unicornfish dangerous to humans?
The Slender 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.
Is the Slender unicornfish edible?
Yes, the Slender unicornfish is commonly 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
Want the complete picture on the Slender unicornfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Slender unicornfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.