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Humpback unicornfish (Naso brachycentron) — Acanthuridae

Humpback unicornfish

Naso brachycentron
Family: Acanthuridae

The Humpback unicornfish (Naso brachycentron) is a saltwater fish of the family Acanthuridae that grows up to 90 cm.

Length
90 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
8.0–30.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Humpback unicornfish is a unicornfish (Acanthuridae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 90 cm and has a greyish, elongate body. Adult males develop a conspicuous hump or short horn on the forehead. On each side of the tail base sits one or two sharp, fixed bony keel-blades that can inflict a cut; handle with care. It eats algae or zooplankton.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Humpback unicornfish?

The Humpback unicornfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Humpback unicornfish live?

The Humpback unicornfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Humpback unicornfish get?

The Humpback unicornfish grows to a maximum of about 90 cm.

Is the Humpback unicornfish dangerous to humans?

The Humpback unicornfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Humpback unicornfish edible?

Yes, the Humpback unicornfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bultrug-eenhoornvis sourced
English name
Humpback unicornfish sourced
Scientific name
Naso brachycentron
Family
Acanthuridae
Other names
Humpback unicorn; Humpback unicornfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
90.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
8.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
31.0 sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Naso

More from the family Acanthuridae

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