The bignose unicornfish earns its name from the prominent, bulbous frontal hump that develops on the head of larger males—a feature unique among unicornfish. This Indo-Pacific surgeon fish inhabits coral and rocky reefs at depths between 20 and 60 metres, often moving in small schools across outer reef slopes. Look for an overall silvery or bluish body with darker dorsal and anal fins; adults can exceed 60 cm. Like other members of the surgeon family, it feeds on algae and plankton, using its small mouth to graze.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Teleostei
- Order
- Acanthuriformes
- Family
- Acanthuridae
- Genus
- Naso
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.