Bluespine Unicornfish (Naso Unicornis)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Blue, Grey, Green

Diet : Herbivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 2'

Origin : Indonesia, Maldives, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tonga

Family : Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size : 350 gallons

The Bluespine Unicornfish or Short-Nose Unicornfish (Naso Unicornis) is a tang from the Indo-Pacific.

The Bluespine Unicornfish has a blueish-gray body with two blue spines on each side at the base of the tail and a short rostrum or bony horn on the forehead. In small fish the horn is missing and males additionally have tail streamers. These fish have a leather like skin instead of scales. Two bright blue dots appear at the peduncle spines near the tail.

The horn of the Bluespine Unicorn Tang develops when the fish reaches a size of approximately 6 inches.

It is located far back on the head and does not extend farther than the tip of the snout. It has large, permanently erect peduncle spines which can easily be tangled in a net or cause injury to the handler.The function of the horn is not understood. 

To be successful with a Blue Unicorn Tang a well-established 350 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room, places to hide and graze upon. 

Tangs are generally community fish and get along with most other tankmates. Tangs may get territorial and aggressive towards similar tangs, so always use caution when keeping these fish together or with other fish that have a similar body shape or coloration.

Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week.

Size: Juvenile: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Large: 4-1/4" to 6-1/4" XLarge: 6-1/4" to 7"; With horn: Large: 5" to 7"; XLarge: 7" to 12"