Bluespine unicornfish

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Bluespine unicornfish
Bluespine Unicornfish, Emily Bay, Kingston 2899, Norfolk Island imported from iNaturalist photo 173453689 (cropped).jpg
Off Norfolk Island
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Acanthuriformes
Family: Acanthuridae
Genus: Naso
Subgenus: Naso
Species:
N. unicornis
Binomial name
Naso unicornis
(Forsskål, 1775)
Synonyms [2]
List
  • Chaetodon unicornis
    Forsskål, 1775
  • Acanthurus unicornis
    (Forsskål, 1775)
  • Monoceros biaculeatus
    Bloch & Schneider, 1801
  • Monoceros rain
    Bloch & Schneider, 1801
  • Naso fronticornis
    Lacépède, 1801
  • Harpurus monoceros
    Forster in Lichtenstein, 1844
  • Acronurus corniger
    Gronow in Gray, 1854

The bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis), also known as the short-nose unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific. [3] It is occasionally found in the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 70 cm in length. It is called kala ('thorn') in Hawaii, [3] dawa in New Caledonia, and ta or tā in Fiji. [4] However the name kala refers to all three species of horned unicornfish found around Hawaii. [5]

Contents

Taxonomy

The bluespine unicornfish was first formally described as Chaetodon unicornis by the Swedish-speaking Finnish explorer, orientalist, naturalist, and an apostle of Carl Linnaeus Peter Forsskål with its type locality given as Jeddah. [2] In 1801 the French zoologist Bernard Germain de Lacépède described a new species Naso fronticornis as a replacement name for Chaetodon unicornis, which, in 1917 David Starr Jordan designated as the type species of the genus Naso , which had first been proposed as a genus by Lacépède when he described N. fronticornis. [6] Naso is the only genus in the monogeneric subfamily Nasinae, proposed by Henry Weed Fowler and Barton Appler Bean in 1929 [7] within the family Acanthuridae. [8]

Description

The bluespine unicornfish has a blueish-gray body with two blue spines on each side at the base of the tail and a short rostrum or bony horn on the forehead. [3] [9] In small fish the horn is missing. [3] The species is sexually dimorphic, with males having much larger tail spines than females. Males on average also have slightly longer horns and slightly longer tail streamers than females. [10]

These fish have a leather-like skin instead of scales. The bluespine unicornfish can grow up to 70 cm (28 in) with the largest one caught to be 5.8 kg (13 lb). [3] [11] [12]

Bluespine Unicornfish, Emily Bay, Kingston 2899, Norfolk Island imported from iNaturalist photo 198745244 (cropped).jpg
Juveniles
Bluespine Unicornfish, Kingston, Norfolk Island imported from iNaturalist photo 120509443 (cropped).jpg
Adult

Distribution

The bluespine unicornfish is very common in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, usually occurring at temperatures between 25 and 29 °C (77 and 84 °F). [12]

Habitat

Schooling, in the Red Sea Bluespine Unicornfish, Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, Egitto imported from iNaturalist photo 247245497.jpg
Schooling, in the Red Sea

The bluespine unicornfish are a near-shore fish. The juvenile tend to stay close to shore while the adults tend to live from shallow to the beginnings of the deep water staying within the upper 40 feet.

[12] They tend to enjoy spots with waves or strong surges. [13] The bluespine unicornfish live often solitary on coral reefs or can be found in small schools of unicorn fish or as a part of larger schools with many other fish species. [3] [12] [14]

Diet

Bluespine unicornfish are herbivores and feed on brown and red algae with coarse or leafy blades. [12] [13] Because it is one of a small number of species that consumes fleshy macroalgae (seaweed), it is of great importance to coral reef ecosystems. [15]

Invasive algae

Bluespine unicornfish have been recorded eating invasive algae species, such as Gracilaria salicornia . [14] This alga has become well established in reefs throughout the Hawaiian island of Oahu and is of concern because of its tendency to form dense, overgrown mats on and around corals that prevent nutrient acquisition. G. salicornia reproduces through fragmentation. The bluespine unicornfish feeds on G. salicornia which both helps reduce the size of the alga on reefs but also contributes to its spread as the fragments found in the fishes' feces are viable and can grow into new algal mats. [14]

Human use

Caught off Rurutu, French Polynesia Bluespine Unicornfish, Avera, Rurutu, Polynesie francaise imported from iNaturalist photo 120201705.jpg
Caught off Rūrutu, French Polynesia
In Moody Gardens, Texas Bluespine Unicornfish, Aquarium Pyramid, Galveston, TX, US imported from iNaturalist photo 203326051.jpg
In Moody Gardens, Texas

Bluespine unicornfish are eaten in abundance due to how common they are. They are caught using nets, hook and line techniques, and by nighttime spearfishing. [15] They have a strong flavor and odor due to their diet. When skinned, the meat is white with a slight pink-red taint and a firm or moist texture. Bluespine unicornfish are usually eaten raw, boiled, grilled, baked or sauteed. [16]

The kala, the Hawaiian name for Naso unicornis and two other Naso species, was an important food source in pre-colonial Hawaii. [16] The tough skin of kala was sometimes stretched over a half coconut shell to make a small knee drum. [3] The Hawaiians also used kala in ceremonies between members of a tribe or between tribes. [16] Today kala is still a common food source to the people of Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.

Conservation

A commercial kala fishing permit is required by the Hawaiian Department of Land and Natural Resources; the daily take of kala is limited to four fish per person per day. [5] As of March 2024annual catch limit for the commercial kala fishery is 15,000 pounds, with the count beginning on August 1 of each year. [5]

Cultural significance

The bluespine unicornfish is frequently found on postage stamps, as company logos, school mascots, and as a motif in indigenous artwork. [15]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acanthuridae</span> Family of fishes with caudal spines

Acanthuridae are a family of ray-finned fish which includes surgeonfishes, tangs, and unicornfishes. The family includes about 86 extant species of marine fish living in tropical seas, usually around coral reefs. Many of the species are brightly colored and popular in aquaria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moorish idol</span> Species of fish

The Moorish idol is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Zanclidae. It is the only member of the monospecific genus Zanclus and the only extant species within the Zanclidae. This species is found on reefs in the Indo-Pacific region.

<i>Naso</i> (fish) Genus of fishes

Naso is a genus of marine ray-finned fishes belonging to the family, Acanthuridae, the unicornfishes, surgeonfishes and tangs. The fishes in this genus are known commonly as unicornfishes because of the "rostral protuberance", a hornlike extension of the forehead present in some species.

<i>Naso vlamingii</i> Species of fish

Naso vlamingii, the bignose unicornfish, scibbled unicornfish, Vlaming's unicornfish, and zebra unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitemargin unicornfish</span> Species of fish

The whitemargin unicornfish, also known as the ringtailed unicornfish or short-horned unicorn-fish, is a tropical fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific. It can reach a length of 100 cm, making it one of the largest members of the family Acanthuridae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saddle butterflyfish</span> Species of fish

The saddle butterflyfish is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. It is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans from Sri Lanka and the Cocos-Keeling Islands to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals and New South Wales in Australia.

<i>Naso brevirostris</i> Species of fish

Naso brevirostris, also known as the short-nosed unicornfish, spotted unicornfish, brown unicornfish, lined unicornfish, longnose surgeonfish, palefin unicornfish, paletail unicornfish, shorthorned unicornfish or shortsnouted unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. It occurs in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.

<i>Naso brachycentron</i> Species of fish

Naso brachycentron, the humpback unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.

<i>Naso lituratus</i> Species of fish

Naso lituratus, the clown unicornfish, orangespined unicornfish, black-finned unicornfish, Pacific orangespined unicornfish, blackfinned unicornfish or stripefaced unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This fish is found in the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean.

<i>Naso lopezi</i> Species of fish

Naso lopezi, the elongated unicornfish, slender unicornfish or Lopez' unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeon fishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in the western Pacific Ocean.

<i>Naso caesius</i> Species of fish

Naso caesius, the grey unicornfish or silverblotched unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species occurs in the Indo-Pacific region.

<i>Naso elegans</i> Species of fish

Naso elegans, the elegant unicornfish, the blonde naso tang, Indian orange-spine unicorn, lipstick surgeonfish, lipstick tang, orangespine unicornfish or smoothheaded unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.

<i>Naso fageni</i> Species of fish

Naso fageni, the horseface unicornfish or blunt unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This fish is found in the Indo-Pacific region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sleek unicornfish</span> Species of fish

The sleek unicornfish, also known as the blue-tail unicorn, Thorpe's unicornfish, blacktongue unicornfish or ʻopelu kala, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is of value in commercial fisheries and as a gamefish, and is also seen in aquaria.

Naso maculatus, the scribbled unicornfish or spotted unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This fish is found in the western Pacific Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squarenose unicornfish</span> Species of fish

The squarenose unicornfish is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region.

<i>Naso minor</i> Species of fish

Naso minor, the blackspine unicornfish, slender unicornfish, lesser unicornfish or pony unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reticulate unicornfish</span> Species of fish

The reticulate unicornfishes is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. It is a rare species found on coral reefs in the Indo-West Pacific region.

<i>Naso tonganus</i> Species of surgeonfish

Naso tonganus, the bulbnose unicornfish, hump-nosed unicornfish, humphead unicornfish, or the humpnose unicorn, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific. It is of value in commercial fisheries.

<i>Naso tuberosus</i> Species of fish

Naso tuberosus, the humpnose unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species occurs in the Indian Ocean but it may be more widespread.

References

  1. ↑ Abesamis, R.; Clements, K.D.; Choat, J.H.; et al. (2012). "Naso unicornis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2012: e.T177970A1506556. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T177970A1506556.en .
  2. 1 2 Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Species in the genus Naso". Catalog of Fishes . California Academy of Sciences . Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hoover, John P. (2008). The ultimate guide to Hawaiian reef fishes sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seals. John P. Hoover. Honolulu: Mutual Pub. ISBN   978-1-56647-887-8. OCLC   243960518.
  4. ↑ Blust, Robert; Trussel, Stephen (2010). "*taRaq₂ unicorn fish: Acanthurus unicornis". Austronesian Comparative Dictionary. Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 "New rules for uhu, manini, kole, kala, and Kona crab now in effect". dlnr.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  6. ↑ Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Genera in the family Acanthuridae". Catalog of Fishes . California Academy of Sciences . Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  7. ↑ Richard van der Laan; William N. Eschmeyer & Ronald Fricke (2014). "Family-group names of recent fishes". Zootaxa. 3882 (2): 1–230. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.3882.1.1 . PMID   25543675.
  8. ↑ J. S. Nelson; T. C. Grande; M. V. H. Wilson (2016). Fishes of the World (5th ed.). Wiley. pp. 497–502. ISBN   978-1-118-34233-6. Archived from the original on 2019-04-08. Retrieved 2023-07-29.
  9. ↑ Bray, D.J. (2019). "Naso unicornis in Fishes of Australia". Archived from the original on 2017-05-01.
  10. ↑ DeMartini, Edward E. (2016-06-14). "Sexual Dimorphisms in the Bluespine Unicornfish, Naso unicornis (Acanthuridae): External Metrics for Movement Ecology and Life History". Copeia. 104 (2): 498–505. doi:10.1643/CE-15-270. ISSN   0045-8511.
  11. ↑ Animal-World. "Bluespine Unicornfish". Animal World. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 "Bluespine Unicornfish". Georgia Aquarium. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
  13. 1 2 "Unicornfish". thisfish.info. Archived from the original on 2021-12-02. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
  14. 1 2 3 Bierwagen, Stacy L.; Price, Donald K.; Pack, Adam A.; Meyer, Carl G. (January 2017). "Bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis) are both natural control agents and mobile vectors for invasive algae in a Hawaiian Marine Reserve". Marine Biology. 164 (1): 25. Bibcode:2017MarBi.164...25B. doi:10.1007/s00227-016-3049-x. ISSN   0025-3162.
  15. 1 2 3 Taylor, Brett M. (2019-07-03). "Standing Out in a Big Crowd: High Cultural and Economic Value of Naso unicornis in the Insular Pacific". Fishes. 4 (3): 40. Bibcode:2019Fishe...4...40T. doi: 10.3390/fishes4030040 . ISSN   2410-3888.
  16. 1 2 3 Titcomb, Margaret (1972-11-01). Native Use of Fish in Hawaii. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN   978-0-8248-0592-0.
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