Naso hexacanthus (Bleeker, 1855)
Sleek unicornfish
Naso hexacanthus
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Nasinae
 Max. size:  75 cm FL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 6 - 150 m
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa (Ref. 9710), including the Mascarene Islands (Ref. 37792) to the Hawaiian, Marquesas and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-29; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 27-30. Almost fusiform, body grayish to greenish brown, paler below. Two weak immovable bucklers on each side of caudal peduncle. Without horn; short groove in front of eye. Yellowish brown preopercular margin. Over 25 cm with black tongue. Skin granulated or velvety. Teeth small and slender, close-set and pointed. Caudal fin emarginate in young.
 Biology:  Inhabits clear lagoon and seaward reef slopes (Ref. 9710, 48637). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Usually seen in large schools (Ref. 90102). Mainly diurnal, it feeds on zooplankton such as crab larvae, arrow worms, pelagic tunicates, and occasionally filamentous red algae. The species is never poisonous (Ref. 4795).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Luna, Susan M. - 17.10.90
 Modified by: Casal, Christine Marie V. - 07.06.17
 Checked by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 30.08.94

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