Naso caeruleacauda Randall, 1994
Blue unicorn
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes), subfamily: Nasinae
Max. size:  40 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,096.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 45 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Philippines and Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28-30; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 29-29. No narrow dark bars on body. Caudal fin blue in life. Dorsal profile of head from above upper lip to above centre of eye straight. Anterior interorbital region and adjacent space between nostrils strongly convex. Body depth 2.75 to 2.8 times in SL (Ref 9808). Description: Characterized further by presence of single plate with semicircular keel on each side of caudal peduncle; absence of horn or protuberance on forehead; straight porsterior margin of caudal fin (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in schools, mainly along outer reef walls to moderate depths in pursuit of plankton (Ref. 48637).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 May 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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