Bluespine Unicornfish (Naso unicornis)

Fish in the family Acanthuridae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameNaso unicornis

FamilyAcanthuridae

Also known asBlue-Spine Nosefish, Long-Snouted Nosefish, Blue-Spine Unicornfish, Long-Snouted Unicornfish

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietomnivore

Adult size24 in

Minimum tank size180 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding scheduleFeed 2-3 times daily

Appearance

A large, streamlined tang with a blue-gray body, yellow caudal fin, and a distinctive long, pointed bony horn (rostral projection) extending from the forehead. Venomous spines along the caudal peduncle are edged in bright blue.

Diet and feeding

Zooplankton, small fish, marine algae, seaweed, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp

Difficulty and care for the Bluespine Unicornfish

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Common health issues

Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Hole in the head disease, Bacterial septicemia

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the central Pacific.

Log Bluespine Unicornfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Bluespine Unicornfish alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app