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Size
Up to 21.5 inches (55 cm) -
Diet
Zooplankton -
Range
Indo-Pacific -
Habitat
Deep lagoon and seaward reefs
Physical Characteristics
- Adults have a long, curved snout with tall anal and dorsal fins.
- Has vertical blue lines running along the side of the body.
- Maximum length of 21.5 inches (55 cm).
Animal Fact
Unicornfish are named for the bony horn on their face.
Diet / Feeding
- Diet consists of zooplankton.
- Feeds during the day above reef slopes.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Line, Marquesan and Tuamoto Islands; southern Japan, southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. It also is encountered throughout Micronesia.
- Found in deep lagoons and seaward reefs to depths of 164 feet (50 m).
- Usually appears in mid-water aggregations above reef slopes.
- Common around shipwrecks.
Reproduction & Growth
- Oviparous, egg-laying species.
- Male is particularly colorful during courtship.
Conservation Status
- “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Often solitary or in pairs as well as larger aggregations.
- Able to quickly hide or reveal its brilliant blue markings.
Sources
- www.fishbase.org
- Coral Reef Fishes. Lieske, E. and Myers, R., pg.128
