Spotted Unicornfish (Naso maculatus)

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

Quick facts

Scientific nameNaso maculatus

FamilyAcanthuridae

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietomnivore

Adult size18 in

Minimum tank size125 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.026

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

Naso maculatus is a tang with an elongated, compressed body that is silvery-gray to brown. It is distinguished by dark spots covering the body and head, and adults may develop a small horn-like protrusion on the forehead, characteristic of the genus Naso.

Diet and feeding

Feed a varied diet of high-quality herbivorous pellets, nori seaweed, and meaty foods such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp. Offer vegetation daily and supplement with animal matter 2–3 times weekly.

Difficulty and care for the Spotted 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, Bacterial Infections, Parasitic Infestations

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region including the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and Philippine waters.

Log Spotted 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 Spotted Unicornfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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